Sailing between Scylla and Charybdis: Mayelane v Ngwenyama

Kruuse, Helen; Sloth-Nielsen, J

Title: Sailing between Scylla and Charybdis: Mayelane v Ngwenyama
Creator: Kruuse, Helen
Date Issued: 2014
Date: 2014
Type: Article
Type: text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54118
Identifier: vital:26392
Identifier: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/pelj/article/view/112096
Description: Mayelane v Ngwenyama 2013 4 SA 415 (CC) is arguably the most important judgment concerning the recognition of customary marriages in recent times. This article attempts to unpack some of the many issues that arise from the case, namely: (a) the practical difficulties associated with ascertaining living customary law and the problems of identifying legal versus social norms; (b) the meaning of consent as a requirement of a customary marriage; (c) the implications of the case for equality between multiple wives in a customary marriage, and as between wives across customary marriages of different cultural traditions; and (e) the implications of the case for equality considerations more broadly. While the authors sympathise with the court in respect of the complex decision before it, it questions the Court's method and result, specifically for the equality rights of a second (or further) "wife" in a Vatsonga customary marriage. The authors suggest that the issues should be put to democratic deliberation by the legislative arm, rather than leaving courts in the unenviable position of having to decide these matters.
Format: 28 pages
Format: pdf
Language: English
Relation: Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad
Relation: Kruuse, H. (2014) Sailing between Scylla and Charybdis: Mayelane v Ngwenyama. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad, 2014, pp. 1710-1738, https://www.ajol.info/index.php/pelj/article/view/112096/101856
Relation: Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad 2014 vol.2014 1710 1738 2014 ISSN : 1727-3781
Rights: Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad

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Kruuse, Helen (Mrs)

RU Department of Law

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