Zari Hassan appears to be elated, as South Africa’s highest court has ruled that men can now legally take their wives’ surnames, overturning a law that previously barred them from doing so.

The Ugandan socialite, who is based in South Africa, shared her excitement by posting a video of herself dancing.

She captioned it with the exact words of the ruling: “South Africa’s highest court has ruled that men can now legally take the surnames of their wives, overturning a law that previously barred them from doing so.”

Her celebratory post has sparked conversations online, as many viewed it as Zari embracing the landmark decision that signals a shift in traditional gender norms.

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The Constitutional Court’s ruling marks a historic victory for gender equality in South Africa.

The case was brought forward by two couples who argued that the law preventing men from adopting their wives’ surnames was archaic and discriminatory.

The contested law dates back to South Africa’s colonial and apartheid era, when patriarchal norms were entrenched in legislation.

It only allowed women to take on their husband’s surname after marriage, effectively limiting the choice of families who wished to do otherwise.

The couple successfully challenged the law in a lower court, but the Constitutional Court’s confirmation of the decision solidifies it as binding nationwide.

The judges described the old law as a “colonial import” that reinforced gender-based discrimination. They stressed that equality must apply to both men and women in matters of identity and family life.

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The ruling also aligns with the principles enshrined in South Africa’s 1994 post-apartheid constitution, which places equality and non-discrimination at the centre of the nation’s legal framework.

New era of choice

For many, the decision represents more than just a change in paperwork.

It is a cultural milestone that challenges long-standing traditions and empowers couples to make personal choices about their family identity without the weight of outdated restrictions.

Zari Hassan’s light-hearted dance video reflects the celebratory mood surrounding the decision.

As a prominent personality in South Africa’s entertainment and lifestyle scene, her reaction also highlights how deeply such rulings can resonate beyond the legal sphere, touching on issues of identity, equality, and modern relationships.