Bekker, Jan C.Van Niekerk, Gardiol J.2009-11-112009-11-112009Bekker, J & Van Niekerk, G 2009, 'Gumede v President of the Republic of South Africa : harmonisation, or the creation of new marriage laws in South Africa?', SA Publiekreg/SA Public Law, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 206-222.0258-6568http://hdl.handle.net/2263/11811The Recognition of the Customary Marriages Act and the judgment in Gumede have replaced the African customary marriage with an official statutory marriage. This does not come as a surprise. The decision followed effortlessly in the footsteps of Bhe (supra) which abolished the customary law of succession. Joining the ranks of other cases and legislation, Gumede has made a significant contribution to the development of an official customary law which is in harmony with constitutional principles.enThe Verloren van Themaat Centre for Public Law Studies, UNISACustomary Marriages ActNew marriage lawsGumede v PresidentCustomary law -- South AfricaMarriage law -- South AfricaArticle