2025 - DUE 16 May 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Question 1
1.1 Formal Validity of the Marriage (2 marks)
In terms of South African private international law, the lex loci
celebrationis (law of the place where the marriage was concluded)
determines the formal validity of a marriage.
✅ Answer: The law of Mauritius applies to the formal validity of
Michael and Martha’s marriage.
1.2.1 Material Validity of the Marriage (2 marks)
The material validity of a marriage is determined by the lex
domicilii of each spouse at the time of marriage.
✅ Answer:
Zambian law applies to the material validity of the marriage in
respect of both Michael and Martha, as they were Zambian
citizens and domiciled in Zambia at the time.
1.2.2 Exceptions to the Rule in 1.2.1 (6 marks)
There are exceptions to the rule that material validity is governed
by the lex domicilii:
1. Public Policy Exception:
South African courts may refuse to recognize a foreign
, marriage rule if it is contrary to South African public policy.
For example, rules permitting child marriage or polygamy may
not be upheld.
Example: Minister of Home Affairs v Fourie 2006 (1) SA 524
(CC) – the court emphasized the public policy importance of
recognizing same-sex marriages.
2. Evasion of Law:
If parties deliberately change their domicile or place of
marriage to avoid the operation of a specific law (e.g., getting
married in a jurisdiction to circumvent home restrictions), the
evasion doctrine may apply.
Example: Frankel's Estate v The Master 1950 (1) SA 220 (A).
3. Capacity-related issues and Natural Justice:
If under their home country law a person lacks capacity to
marry, but they marry elsewhere, South African courts may
still refuse to recognize the marriage if the lack of capacity is
fundamental (e.g., mental incapacity).
✅ Summary: While the lex domicilii governs material validity,
South African courts may refuse recognition of foreign marriages if
they contravene public policy, involve evasion of home country law,
or breach fundamental principles of justice.
1.3.1 Domicile of Michael in December 1983 (2 marks)
To determine Michael’s domicile at the time of marriage
(December 1983), the court applies the intention and residence
test for domicile of choice:
Intention to remain in a place permanently and
Physical presence in that place.