ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 9 SEPTEMBER 2026
, LCP4804 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2026
QUESTION 11. With reference to the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120
of 1998, relevant customary-law principles, and applicable South African case
law, critically discuss whether a valid customary marriage between Mokgadi…
The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998 (RCMA) grants full
recognition to customary marriages which had long been denied legal status under
colonial and apartheid legal orders.¹ The central question is whether a valid customary
marriage was concluded between Mokgadi and Matome following payment of damages
for pregnancy and subsequent lobolo negotiations conducted by Matome's family
without his consultation.
2. Statutory Requirements Under the RCMA
Section 3(1) of the RCMA prescribes:²
(a) prospective spouses must both be above 18 years and consent to marry;
(b) the marriage must be negotiated and entered into or celebrated according to
customary law.
The RCMA deliberately refrained from prescribing a fixed set of rituals, accommodating
diversity of customary practices and allowing for evolution of living customary law.³ The
courts have identified two essential requirements: the lobolo process and integration of
the bride (ukumekeza).⁴
¹ Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998. See Bennett TW, Customary Law in South
Africa (Juta 2004) 188-190.
² Section 3(1) of the RCMA.
³ South African Law Commission, Project 90: The Harmonisation of the Common Law and the Indigenous
Law - Report on Customary Marriages (SALC 1998) para 4.1.13.
⁴ Mabuza v Mbatha 2003 (4) SA 218 (C).