Navigating change in South Africa’s surname debate

Navigating Change in South Africa's Surname Debate

The Constitutional Court's ruling on September 11, 2025, found sections of the Births and Deaths Registration Act unconstitutional, as they prevented husbands from adopting their wives' surnames.

This decision has sparked a national discussion, with Parliament and the President having 24 months to amend the law. South Africans are debating the potential impact on culture, gender dynamics, and citizenship.

“foreigners will marry South African women, take their surnames, and then get jobs freely, even if they arrived illegally”

On social media, many have expressed outrage and anxiety, with some warning of potential exploitation by male foreigners to gain citizenship through marriage.

Author's summary: Court ruling sparks debate on surname law in South Africa.

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The Media Online The Media Online — 2025-10-15

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