I often get told by ladies that they still use their maiden surname, because they have not changed their surnames at home affairs.  They always seem dumbstruck when I tell them that a new ID does not change your name, but the saying of “I do” does.

Wives have the choice to decide whether they want to adopt their husbands’ surname, keep a previous surname, or even have a double-barrel surname.  Many women in a professional occupation, choose to do one of the last two.  This choice is usually made at the altar and a blushing bride unprepared for the signing of the marriage register.

A wife is not obliged to use her husband’s surname and may use either her maiden name or any other surname she bore before her marriage.
That brings us to the next question.  Can you have your name or surname changed at Home Affairs?  The short answer is:  yes.  If you comply with the requirements of the Department, it will be approved, advertised in the Gazette and your name / surname will officially be changed.  We see this often where husbands rather take the wives surname, or where parties want to change their surnames back after a messy divorce.  Just remember to keep the notice from Home Affairs and the Gazette number in safekeeping, as you might need it later on in life.  It is advisable to also save copies with your will.

Some other interesting facts in regard to surnames and South Africans:
The surname of a child at birth when birthed to a married couple - Automatically takes the surname of the father.

A child born out of wedlock:  Then the child takes the surname of his or her mother. However, the child can assume the natural father’s surname if both parents apply jointly to enter the father’s surname in the birth register and the father acknowledges his paternity in writing.