Over 190 marriages ended in Eswatini in just three months, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ second-quarter performance report, tabled in the House of Assembly last Monday. The report is expected to be debated today.
The ministry revealed that 196 divorces were recorded between July and September this year. Of these, 74 were filed in July, 75 in August, and 46 in September.
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This marks a slight decline from the 247 divorces recorded in the previous quarter (April–June), which spanned all four regions of the country.
Financial Disagreements Lead Causes
The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts identified financial disagreements as the leading cause of divorce among couples.
The institute observed that money-related disputes have increasingly become a major source of tension in marriages, often cited as the primary reason for breakups and rising divorce rates.
Marriage Statistics Still Encouraging
Despite the high number of divorces, the report also noted a positive trend in new marriages.
A total of 1,572 people tied the knot during the same period — with 834 marriages registered under Swazi Law and Custom, and 738 under civil rights.
Most marriages were registered at the Mbabane, Manzini, and Nhlangano service centres.
Additionally, the ministry received and approved 10 applications for authority to marry between Eswatini nationals and foreigners, confirming that all applicants met the required legal conditions.
Other Home Affairs Updates
The ministry also approved 139 applications for marriage status clearance letters, enabling applicants to marry foreigners abroad.
During the same quarter, the department received several applications for change of surname. Of these, 34 applications were approved and published in the Government Gazette, in accordance with the Change of Surname Act No. 67 of 1962.
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