Women drive divorce filings as marriages in Mzansi decline

The latest findings fromStatistics South Africaindicate a pivotal moment in societal attitudes toward marriage and divorce, highlighting women’s increasing autonomy in initiating the dissolution of their unions. In 2024, the country recorded a total of 24,202 divorces, marking an 8.9% increase from the 22,230 divorces in 2023. Most strikingly, women filed for about 57.2% of these divorces, a trend that has been consistent over the years.

This rise not only mirrors increasing female empowerment but also points to significant ongoing shifts in how relationships are viewed in a nation that has staunchly advocated for gender equality. The data also shows a continued decline in the number of marriages, with a total of 102,373 registered in 2024, a 2.6% decrease from the previous year and a worrying 28.5% decrease compared to 2015. Specifically, civil marriages fell from 99,289 in 2023 to 97,510 in 2024.