15/09/2026
MEC SHINGA CHAMPIONS RESPONSIBLE MARRIAGES AS COUPLES SHARE DECADES OF WISDOM AT UMKHANYAKUDE MARRIAGE WEEK
eZwenelisha, uMkhanyakude District – The MEC for Social Development, Ms. Mbali Shinga, joined the community of eZwenelisha in the Inkosi uMtubatuba Local Municipality to commemorate Marriage Week, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to strengthening families and promoting healthy, responsible relationships across the uMkhanyakude District.
Addressing community members, MEC Shinga emphasised that strong marriages and stable families are an important foundation of a healthy society.
She highlighted that marriage is built on love, commitment, responsibility and mutual support, noting that strong families play an important role in raising children with guidance and values, while helping to steer young people away from substance abuse and criminal activities.
MEC Shinga further stressed that family preservation must go hand in hand with economic development, ensuring that families are able to care for and support one another without being placed under unnecessary financial strain.
She reminded the community that the Department of Social Development has dedicated services that address family-related challenges and encouraged families to seek assistance when needed — not only when relationships reach the point of divorce.
The programme also featured a presentation by Mr Magubane from the Department of Home Affairs, who unpacked the different types of marriages recognised in South Africa. He explained the legal requirements and implications of various marital unions, empowering community members to better understand their rights and responsibilities.
Mr Magubane also cautioned community members against entering into marriages with foreign nationals purely for financial gain, highlighting the potential legal, financial and emotional consequences. He encouraged couples to build their marriages on love, respect, honesty and commitment, rather than financial interests.
The importance of estate planning and drafting wills was also highlighted. Community members were encouraged to take advantage of the period during which wills are being drafted free of charge, helping families plan for the future and reduce the possibility of disputes over inheritance.
A special highlight of the event was the participation of couples who shared their personal journeys and decades of marital experience.
Among the couples were Mr and Mrs Mathenjwa, who have been married for 42 years in a religious marriage, and another Mr and Mrs Mathenjwa, who have celebrated 54 years in a civil marriage.
Mr Mkhwanazi, who is in a polygamous marriage, also shared his journey — 47 years with Masibiya, 36 years with Mantuli and 26 years with another Mantuli.
Other couples included Mr and Mrs Mfeka, who have been married for 25 years in a civil marriage, as well as newlyweds Mr and Mrs Nxumalo, who have been married for just four months in a civil marriage and were affectionately described as the “Sbari we Country.”
Their stories provided a powerful reflection on the diversity of marriage, from newlyweds taking their first steps together to couples who have spent more than five decades building their lives and families side by side.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to building strong, responsible, legally informed and resilient families in the uMkhanyakude community.
