Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi contends that customary or religious unions that are still not recognised by South Africa’s laws will soon see a change.

He has told Parliament’s Home Affairs Committee that there is no need for a specific Registration of Muslim Marriages Bill as tabled by the Al Jama-ah Party.

Under a private members bill, MP, and leader of the party, Ganief Hendricks, wants the Home Affairs Department to implement a constitutional ruling and amend a circular that will enable the department to recognise Muslim marriages.

It will essentially mean that a nikah can later be registered at any Home Affairs office. This as others contend that Muslim Marriages cannot be slotted in with other customary unions, as the Sharia has specific rights afforded to men and women.