BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – In a heartwarming testament to love and commitment, more than 1 500 marriages were officially recorded in Eswatini between April and June 2025, outshining the 209 divorces registered during the same period, according to the latest report from the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This surge in marriages—spanning both civil rites and Swazi Law and Custom (SL&C) ceremonies—reflects a nation still deeply rooted in its traditions, while also embracing formal legal unions.
Marriage Stats at a Glance:
- Civil Rites Marriages: 959
- Swazi Law & Custom Marriages: 547
- Total Marriages: 1 506
- Divorces Registered: 209
- April: 54
- May: 92
- June: 63
This means that for every one divorce, more than seven couples tied the knot—a ratio that highlights the continued societal value placed on marriage in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The Manzini Region Leads the Way
The Manzini region recorded the highest number of marriages, particularly under civil rites, accounting for over 400 unions. Hhohho followed closely, especially with a strong showing of SL&C marriages.
Meanwhile, divorce figures—though slightly elevated in May—remained relatively low overall, signaling either a stronger commitment to marital unions or possible challenges in navigating the divorce process. Whatever the case, the numbers favor a hopeful outlook for family stability.
A Tool for Planning and Progress
The CRVS Department notes that tracking these vital events is not only important for cultural and personal reasons, but also for national planning, policy-making, and meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as gender equality, child protection, and legal identity for all.
“This data is crucial for understanding our population dynamics and for designing social services that support families,” said a senior official in the department.
Behind the Scenes: What’s Driving the Trends?
Officials point to improved access to registration services, including newly opened centers like Mkhuzweni Health Center, and increased awareness about the importance of legal recognition of marital status. The department is also actively modernizing civil registration systems to ensure every vital event is recorded accurately and efficiently.
A Love Story Told in Numbers
While statistics often focus on hard facts, these numbers also tell a very human story—a story of new beginnings, cultural pride, and the resilience of relationships. In a time when many societies are seeing declining marriage rates and rising divorces, Eswatini’s data offers a refreshing perspective: love still leads.
(Courtesy Pic)
