Johannesburg – Amid the looming deadline for the public to submit their views and comments on the proposed amendments to the SA’s marriage act, cultural organisations have warned that the move will complicate the country’s war against domestic violence and would increase the scourge of absent fathers among black families.
If the proposal is adopted and passed into law, it would legalise polyandry and make it possible for women to marry more than one husband simultaneously.
Under the current status quo, only men are allowed by law to enter into polygamous unions. Dr Nomagugu Ngobese, a cultural expert and founder of Nomkhubulwane foundation that nurtures young women through education, encouraging virginity and reproductive health, told Sunday World that the proposed policy would wreak havoc in black families.
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“We know that this proposal will be passed into law, like any other policies, such as that 12-year-olds can consent to sex, which was never supported by the majority.
“But we are warning the government that this policy will result in irreparable damage to the social fabric and cause more harm to black communities,” said Ngobese.
The touchy nature of the subject has also prompted the South Africa Council of Churches to assemble an ad hoc committee to deliberate on the implications of the proposed amendments on the religious community.
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