The court first gives a separation order for a period of 6 months (decree nisi). This is a cooling period intended to give the couple a chance to redeem the marriage or determine that they have completely lost interest in the marriage

If the parties have failed to redeem the marriage, the court makes a final order (decree absolute). This permanently ends the marriage.

A couple married under the customary law may apply the customary law of their community to end the marriage.

There are no set rules and guidelines on how this divorce should be undertaken.

The divorce is done according to the customary practices from which the couple hails.

• Divorce is the permanent ending of a marriage.
• It only applies to legally recognised marriages.
• The procedure for divorce depends on the type of marriage the parties had.