OPINION | Preserving Cultural Heritage and Traditional Values

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Men’s Council of South Africa has called upon all individuals and organizations to make a difference and preserve cultural heritage following a ruling on men using women’s surnames.

The Men’s Council of South Africa, a non-partisan civil organization, is deeply concerned about the recent Constitutional Court ruling on men using women’s surnames.

We believe this ruling undermines our values, dignity, and the very fabric of our society.

As custodians of traditional values and family structures, we see this ruling as a direct challenge to our roles as men and traditional leaders.

(2/3) Does section 26(1)(a)–(c) unfairly discriminate on the basis of gender, by failing to afford men the right to assume the surname of women after marriage?

— Constitutional Court (@ConCourtSA) September 10, 2025

By default, we are the heads of our families, and traditional leaders are the guardians of our cultural heritage. This ruling undermines our dignity and the respect accorded to us by our communities.

Moreover, the timing of this ruling is suspect, coming as it does during Heritage Month. We view this as a deliberate attempt to undermine our cultural identity and heritage. We cannot stand idly by while our cultural heritage is threatened.

We draw parallels with the historical experience of Egypt, where the influx of Arab culture and language led to a significant shift in Egyptian identity. We fear that this ruling may lead to a similar erosion of our cultural heritage and traditional values.

We call upon all civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and individuals who share our concerns to join hands with the Men’s Council of South Africa in challenging this ruling. Together, we can ensure that our cultural heritage and traditional values are respected and preserved.

Undermining cultural heritage

We urge the Constitutional Court to reconsider this ruling and engage with the concerns of African communities. We believe that this ruling is unconstitutional and undermines the rights of African communities to preserve their cultural heritage.

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We call upon all individuals and organizations who share our concerns to join the Men’s Council of South Africa in challenging this ruling. Together, we can make a difference and preserve our cultural heritage.

Written by: Fikile Dyantyi (Founder and President of men’s council of South Africa (MCSA))

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