About 100 Imams graduate as marriage officers

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 April 2014

About 100 Imams who took part in the Department of Home Affair’s pilot programme to train as marriage officers graduated today in Pinelands.

The graduates are both from the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.  South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said the exam that the candidates had to write which was set by the Learning Academy of the Department of Home Affairs, had to obtain a mark of no less then 70 percent, which many exceeded. 

Motlanthe said the Imams who took part in the pilot programme received certificates that recognize them as Marriage Officers in accordance with the Marriage Act of 1961. 

Meanwhile Minister of Home Affairs Naledi Pandor who was also present at the graduation said the graduation of the 100 Imams is a first in the country’s long walk to a new society.

Pandor said the Department of Home Affairs is responsible to appoint all Marriage Officers who are expected to register all the marriages they officiate over.