South Africa the convention is that women adopt their husband’s surname once they get married. South African law covers this aspect of name change in Section 26 of Births and Deaths Registration Act [27] and women are still free to make the decision on their own or in consultation with their partner once married. So, what’s in a surname? What is the significance of women changing their surnames after marriage? In the history of Africa, were women expected to change surnames? Does a woman not taking her husband’s surname have a bearing on how the man sees his himself in the context of the relationship, from an African cultural perspective? What is the History behind Maiden vs. Married Names in Africa? When do Clan names come into play?
GUEST: Nelson Makhabane Tshabalala – Historian and award-winning Author