In South Africa, the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998 delineates the prerequisites, registration process, and proprietary outcomes of customary unions. To validate a customary marriage, both parties must be of legal age, consent, and adhere to customary law. Registration, though not obligatory, is pivotal for legal recognition, necessitating documentation including a certified death certificate and the Lobola letter. Failure to register within three months doesn’t nullify the marriage. Proprietary consequences default to a community of property and profit unless specified in an antenuptial contract, which must precede customary rites. It’s essential to recognize that customary unions typically entail community of property unless legally altered beforehand, underscoring the importance of proactive legal measures.