Second time’s the charm? Surprising stat about saying ‘I do’ again in South Africa
Wondering if tying the knot again is worth it? Stats SA data reveals an encouraging trend about second marriages in South Africa.
Second marriages ending in divorce are relatively rare in South Africa, bringing hope to divorcees looking to tie the knot again. In 2024, the vast majority of couples who legally parted ways were ending their very first marriage.
According to the latest Marriages and Divorces report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), over 87% of all divorces granted in 2024 involved individuals who had only been married once.
As the rising cost of weddings puts pressure on couples across the country, those investing in a second marriage seem far more likely to make it last.
What data says about second marriages ending in divorce
The Stats SA data reveals that out of the 24 202 divorces processed last year, only 8.6% of divorced men and 6.8% of divorced women were walking away from a second marriage. Furthermore, less than 1% of both men (0.9%) and women (0.7%) were divorcing for a third time or more.
While the official data does not explicitly state why second marriages are more successful, the statistics indicate that the dissolution of a second marriage is significantly less common than the end of a first. The median age at the time of divorce was 46 years for males and 42 years for females, showing that older individuals are navigating these major life changes.
Number and percentage distribution of divorces by number of times married (2024)
| Number of times married | Husbands (Total) | Husbands (%) | Wives (Total) | Wives (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once | 21 219 | 87.7% | 21 567 | 89.1% |
| Twice | 2 082 | 8.6% | 1 638 | 6.8% |
| Three or more | 225 | 0.9% | 161 | 0.7% |
| Unspecified | 676 | 2.8% | 836 | 3.5% |
| Total | 24 202 | 100% | 24 202 | 100% |
(Source: Statistics South Africa)
A shift in South Africa’s marriage landscape
Beyond the rarity of second divorces, the overall marriage landscape in the country is undergoing a massive transformation. Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs recently concluded nationwide public hearings on the proposed Marriage Bill.
The new legislation aims to unify all existing marriage laws under a single Act, sparking debates around the legal age of marriage and the recognition of diverse partnerships.
With wedding venue hires in sought-after areas ranging from R40 000 to well over R150 000, tying the knot could be a massive financial burden and legal commitment.