The importance and relevance of amicus curiae participation in litigating on the customary law of marriage

Abstract

With the South African Constitution recognising customary law as part of South Africa's legal system, debates arose as to the application of the equality principle within custom, as many customary practices were seen as discriminatory. The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998 was the first piece of legislation that was enacted to address gender inequality within customary law, specifically customary marriages. Future litigation on the topic was deemed to be straightforward, entailing the mere interpretation and application of applicable provisions. However, what has emerged from litigating on the customary law of marriage is how litigators, and especially the participating amicus curiae, diverge on the litigation strategy to use. The article explores the relevance and importance of amicus curiae participation within a constitutional framework and establishes whether such participation has contributed to ensuring that women living under customary law's claims to culture and equality are understood in the right context.