After a divorce in South Africa, meeting someone new

The Divorce Act 1979 as seen by the World Bank

Women, Business and the Law 2024 answers yes to the question of equality in obtaining a divorce judgment, based on section 2 of the Divorce Act 1979. The data cover Johannesburg and reflect the situation as of 1 October 2023.

Section 5A: remarrying on equal terms

The same source states that a woman has the same rights as a man to remarry, citing section 5A of the Act. Our notes give no specific waiting period; a South African lawyer remains the only reliable adviser for an individual case.

Custody and maintenance: what we do not publish

Our verified sources do not detail child custody or how maintenance is calculated after a South African divorce. Rather than guessing, speak to a family lawyer or the competent court before making any decision that affects you or your children.

Domestic violence: protection set out in law

If the separation followed abuse, the World Bank points to the Domestic Violence Act 1998 and its 2021 amendment. These laws govern the protection of victims; report any threat from a former partner to the South African authorities without delay.

Giving yourself time before opening up again

Nothing obliges you to look for a new partner as soon as the judgment is handed down. Many divorced people in Johannesburg or Cape Town first take a few months to regain balance, reconnect with friends and clarify what they want next.

Telling your children about someone new in Johannesburg

Talk about it once the relationship becomes serious, in words suited to their age, without asking them to take sides. Introduce the new partner gradually, in a neutral setting, and give the children room to voice their worries.

Writing an honest profile as a divorced parent

Simply state that you are divorced and, where relevant, that you have children. This openness filters out people who do not share your plans. Avoid criticising your former spouse, however, as complaints tend to put readers off.

Scammers watching for the recently separated

Fraudsters readily target people left vulnerable by a break-up. The US Department of State considers such scams common in the country: the contact often claims to be American, declares love quickly, then asks for money to cover an emergency.

Remarrying a foreign national after divorce

The US Department of State notes that the country where the wedding takes place generally requires proof that any previous marriage has ended, such as a divorce decree. Keep a certified copy of yours, translated if necessary, before planning a new union.

Keeping the South Africa country guide at hand

The wider dating context in South Africa, its major cities and verified platforms are covered in the South Africa dating guide. Those divorced after 55 should also read the page for South African seniors.

Sites suited to a second chapter

SouthAfricanCupid lets you browse matches for free and keeps advanced messaging for subscribers; AfricanLove advertises free registration. State your status and any children in the sign-up form, as serious members value that clarity. See also our page on men and women dating.

A look at neighbouring Lesotho

Lesotho, entirely surrounded by South African territory, applies its own family law and has its own courts. If your new relationship crosses that border, take time to read our guide to divorce in Lesotho before committing to anything.

Sources and platforms for divorced singles

• Banque mondiale, Women, Business and the Law 2024: World Bank South Africa snapshot on equality in divorce, remarriage and protection from domestic violence.
• Département d'État, mariage à l'étranger: US Department of State page noting that proof of the end of a previous marriage is generally required to remarry abroad.
• SouthAfricanCupid: Cupid Media site for South African singles, with free profile browsing and paid advanced messaging.
• AfricanLove: Free World Singles platform open to African singles and the diaspora.

Getting back into dating after a South African divorce

1. Obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree and keep it with your identity documents.
2. Take time to reflect on the past relationship before creating a dating profile.
3. Write a sincere profile that mentions your divorced status and whether you have children.
4. Suggest a video call and then a public meeting before any strong emotional commitment.
5. Introduce a new partner to your children only once the relationship feels secure.
6. Consult a South African lawyer on custody, maintenance or remarrying abroad.

South African divorce: what the sources confirm

Useful papers after the separation

• Certified copy of the divorce decree
• Valid identity document or passport
• Recent birth certificate if you plan to remarry
• Certified translation of the decree if the future marriage takes place abroad
• Any court orders concerning child custody

Common pitfalls after a divorce

• Sending money to a new online contact who mentions an emergency, a frozen inheritance or a cryptocurrency investment.
• Introducing a new partner to the children too soon, before being sure the relationship is solid.
• Hiding your divorced status or your children on your profile, which undermines trust later on.
• Planning a wedding abroad without a certified, translated copy of the divorce decree.
• Meeting a stranger at their home on the first evening instead of choosing a public place.

Information up to date as of October 2026. AfriqueRencontres.com does not arrange meetings and never asks for money: never transfer money to someone you know only online.