Recently, Statistics SA released its latest and much-anticipated data on marriage and divorce in South Africa. Revealing more than just numbers, the statistics reflect a clear pattern of evolving gender roles, increased financial autonomy for women, and changing attitudes toward the institution of marriage.
Divorce is on the rise
A perfunctory analysis of the findings reveals that a total of 24 202 divorces were granted in 2024, which denotes an 8.9% increase from 22 230 in 2023. While this upsurge may appear modest, it signals a broader shift in the perception of divorce in South Africa.
For STBB Director and family law attorney, Shirné Grobler, the escalation is unsurprising. ‘Divorce is becoming less of a last resort and more of a considered decision,’ says Grobler. ‘In practice, we find that our clients are no longer willing to remain in marriages that aren’t functional, particularly where emotional or financial independence exists.’
Importantly, the rise does not necessarily indicate more failed marriages, but rather a growing willingness to formally end them.
Most divorces are initiated by women
One of the most consistent – and telling – trends is that women initiated 57.2% of all divorces in 2024.
‘In my practice, I see far more women actively taking control of the legal process,’ the Cape Town-based divorce attorney explains. ‘There is a clear awareness of rights, particularly around maintenance, child care and contact, and property distribution.’
Ultimately, this trend aligns with wider social developments over the last three decades, including increased access to education and employment, which have heightened women’s autonomy and upended traditional gender roles. As such, divorce is an increasingly proactive decision for women.
Indeed, employment data further reinforces this broader trend. In 2024, 44.6% of women who filed for divorce were employed, many in professional or technical roles. ‘Financial independence changes the equation,’ Grobler notes. ‘It gives individuals the ability to make decisions based on well-being rather than necessity.’
Critically, this has direct implications for divorce outcomes – especially in relation to the division of assets, including property.
The data is similarly supported by geographic patterns. Of the 13 853 divorces initiated by women, Gauteng accounted for 31%, followed by the Western Cape with 18.6% and KwaZulu-Natal with 13.8%. These trends likely reflect population density, urbanisation, and economic participation. ‘In urban centres, there is generally greater access to legal services and a higher incidence of financial independence,’ Grobler finds. ‘That often translates into a greater ability to leave unsustainable marriages.’
Marriage is on the decline
At the same time, South Africa recorded 102 373 marriages and unions in 2024, reflecting a 2.6% decrease from 2023.
More significantly, however, marriages have declined by 28.5% since 2015. This represents a decrease of nearly 41 000 marriage and union registrations.
For Grobler, this trend signifies a growing acceptance of non-traditional relationships, such as permanent life partnerships. ‘Marriage is no longer seen as the default life path,’ says the family law expert. ‘People are entering into it later and more cautiously – and with a clearer understanding of the legal and financial consequences.’
Divorce tends to happen later in life
Interestingly, the statistics show that the median age at divorce is increasing, with men divorcing at 46 and women at 42. Correspondingly, the highest number of divorces occurred among women aged 40–44 (20.3%), followed closely by those aged 35–39 (19.7%).
Per Grobler, this clearly indicates that many marriages terminate after years of shared life. ‘By the time these clients approach us, there are substantial assets involved,’ she says. ‘At this juncture, divorce can be a complex financial exercise, especially if the parties were married in community of property.’
The data also indicates that 41.7% of marriages end within ten years, which suggests a critical period where relationships either stabilise or break down. As such, 26.7% of marriages subsist for 5–9 years. ‘There’s a noticeable pattern in the five-to-ten-year range,’ the divorce attorney explains. ‘That’s often when financial pressures, children, and long-term expectations begin to test the relationship.’
Assessing the data
Taken together, the data points to a clear reality:
- Marriage is declining in frequency;
- Divorce is becoming more intentional;
- Women are largely initiating divorce; and
- Financial independence has reshaped relationship dynamics.
Most importantly, divorce is not simply a breakdown of the marriage – it is a complex legal process that often involves significant financial and proprietary consequences. ‘The real complexity today lies in the division of assets,’ Grobler concludes. ‘In most matters, the principal issue is not whether the marriage should end, but how property, pensions, and other financial interests are fairly divided.’
If the latest divorce statistics are anything to go by, marriage in South Africa is increasingly shaped by an upending of traditional gendered divisions, financial autonomy, and choice. And when those marriages end, the law plays a central role in shaping what comes next.
For expert legal guidance, contact our experienced team of Cape Town-based divorce attorneys today.
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