South Africa’s Constitutional Court (ConCourt) has become one of the latest sources of controversy in the country. This comes after its ruling to allow husbands to take their wives’ surnames garnered some mixed reactions from the public.
It is no secret that South Africa has a dark and complicated past, and post-1994, countless efforts have been put in place to redress some of the damage caused by the unequal systems that governed the country, which favoured one group over the other. Today, South Africa boasts one of the most progressive constitutions in the world because of inclusivity, protection of socio-economic rights, and a democratic vision.
The presence of this constitution has enabled the country’s leaders to enact laws that have served the people well. However, the progressiveness has constantly come into question, specifically, how it aligns with African culture, as some believe that a lot of these progressive views tend to deviate from traditional values and beliefs that are important to the integrity of our cultures as black people.
Recently, news of the Constitutional Court’s ruling stating that husbands are now able to take their wives’ surnames made its way to the public and garnered mixed reactions. Some happily welcomed the ruling, labeling it as a step in the right direction when it comes to dismantling the oppressive patriarchal systems that govern the country. Furthermore, some have resorted to making jokes about having roles reversed, and potentially having the women paying for lobola instead.
A progressive step toward true gender equality!
— Mzansi Unfiltered (@ZA_Unfiltered) September 11, 2025
Becoming Mr K 🤭❤️ https://t.co/xXUODbBl7a pic.twitter.com/AHVik2etvr
— cutie patootie (@aggy_kheleli) September 11, 2025
Conversely, others have rejected this decision and labeled it as yet another attempt to undermine and erase South African culture and traditions. Several have highlighted how this is yet another example of the government focusing on unnecessary things that will not serve citizens, rather than dealing with at least one of the many issues and challenges currently plaguing the country.
Our constitution is completely westernized and it undermines our customary values and cultural practices. https://t.co/zhr26YuAF1
— Shumi Ley’nkezo Ngubane. (@Maqhawe_Ngubane) September 11, 2025
This court will implement anything for the internationalization policy. No South African man needed to use the wives’ surname for any reason except for the gents marrying into the Mandela family 🫠
— Siya (@Siya_ZAR) September 11, 2025
well, the act is unconstitutional in so far as the male primogeniture rule was. no one wants to concede that surname change is a western concept introduced by colonialism. in indigenous african culture, women always kept their surnames post marriage and it emasculated no one. https://t.co/pII2EeqsLL
— we cannot give up on the state🇱🇸🇵🇸🇨🇩 (@hymnfortaiwa) September 11, 2025
Also see: Historic ConCourt Ruling Allows Husbands to Adopt Wives’ Surnames in South Africa
