A new era for women’s rights: Constitutional Court allows men to adopt wives’ surnames

THE Constitutional Court has made a groundbreaking ruling on the South African matrimonial act and has dealt a blow to the age-old patriarchal naming tradition.

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It has ruled that a man can adopt his wife’s surname upon marriage, ending the age-old tradition of a woman renouncing her maiden surname and taking on her husband’s name.

It was the same Constitutional Court that granted recognition to customary marriages, giving them the same legal status as civil unions.

Now it strikes a blow at customs and traditions.

Women’s rights groups will welcome the Constitutional Court ruling, and will celebrate their victory against a male-dominated world.