BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini Law and Custom marriages are steadily increasing in Eswatini, underscoring the enduring commitment of Emaswati to their cultural heritage and traditional values.
This trend was revealed by Nolwazi Dlamini from Statistics on 22 August 2025, during the country’s commemoration of Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day at the Hilton Garden Inn, Mbabane. The event carried the theme:
“Civil Registration as the Foundation for Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Legal Identity Systems in Eswatini.”
Steady Growth in Traditional Unions
According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, registrations of Swazi Law and Custom marriages have been rising significantly. In 2023, a total of 2 591 customary marriages were registered, a figure that increased to 3 637 in 2024.
In contrast, civil marriages have shown only modest growth, signalling that many Emaswati still prefer traditional unions.
Dlamini also reported that divorce applications decreased slightly, dropping from 3 095 in 2023 to 3 034 in 2024. However, the termination of certificates for Swazi Law and Custom marriages rose from 91 in 2023 to 97 in 2024, indicating that while traditional unions are popular, they too face challenges.
Marriage Trends by Age Group
Data further reveals interesting age dynamics in marriage trends.
For civil marriages in 2024, most brides fell within the 25–34 age group, with peaks between 25–29 and 30–34 years. Grooms tended to be slightly older, with the largest group in the 30–34 age range. Surprisingly, marriages were also recorded in older age brackets, with 45 brides and 97 grooms aged 75 and above, reflecting that marriage remains meaningful across all stages of life.
For Swazi Law and Custom marriages, the trends were notably different. Brides were most commonly aged 30–35, while grooms peaked between 35–38 years. Customary unions also displayed a much broader age distribution. Notably, late-life marriages are more prevalent under traditional law, with 323 grooms aged 75 and above registering marriages in 2024 alone.
Overall, customary marriages demonstrated sustained activity among older age groups, with steady participation from both brides and grooms aged 40–59 years.
Cultural Resilience in Modern Times
The data reflects how Swazi Law and Custom marriages continue to thrive, preserving cultural traditions while adapting to modern realities. With civil marriages experiencing moderate activity, it is clear that traditional unions remain a cornerstone of Eswatini’s social and cultural fabric.
The rise in Swazi Law and Custom marriages illustrates the resilience of tradition in a changing society, where Emaswati continue to embrace their heritage even as they navigate contemporary lifestyles.
As Eswatini advances its civil registration and digital identity systems, the growing popularity of customary marriages highlights the importance of aligning modern governance frameworks with the Kingdom’s cherished traditions.
