Customary law

The South African Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs gazetted on 16 March 2018 a notice of intention to introduce the Customary Initiation Bill, 2018 in the National Assembly.

The main objectives of the Bill are—

(a) to protect, promote and regulate initiation;

(b) to provide acceptable norms and standards with a view to ensure that initiation takes place in a controlled and safe environment; and

(c) to provide for the protection of life and the prevention of any abuse

By: Thandabantu Nhlapo, University of Cape Town

[Pictured above] South African President Jacob Zuma and Tobeka Madiba, his fifth wife, celebrate their traditional wedding with a dance. Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko

• The text addresses living customary law precepts and values, offering an insightful, authentic and sensitive approach to the alignment of parallel systems of South African law. This facilitates an understanding of the true purpose, values and efficacy of customary law, and honours the important role which this system of law serves within South African society.
• The material is presented in a clear and applied manner, in order that it should be accessible, engaging and challenging to readers.