Legal Ages in South Africa

The age you become an adult in South Africa, and the legal ages for voting, driving, drinking alcohol and marriage, with the exceptions that matter.

Age of majority 18 Voting age 18 Driving age 18 Drinking age 18 Marriage age 18

Age of majority in South Africa

You are an adult at 18 under the Children’s Act.

Voting age in South Africa

You can vote at 18 and register from 16.

Driving age in South Africa

You can get a learner’s licence for a car at 17 and a driving licence at 18. Motorcycles up to 125cc are allowed from 16 with a learner’s licence.

Drinking age in South Africa

You must be 18 to buy or be given alcohol.

Marriage age in South Africa

Adults can marry at 18. Under the Marriage Act a minor can still marry with parental consent (girls under 16 need the Minister of Home Affairs’ consent). A Marriage Bill setting 18 with no exceptions is before Parliament.

Checked 22 October 2026 against national laws and government sites. Laws change and this is a summary, not legal advice; check with the authority that applies to you. Recent changes checked against: Equality Now: South Africa’s Marriage Bill (March 2026).

Age calculator

Your exact age today, and the date you turn 16, 18 or 21.

Emergency numbers in South Africa

Police, ambulance and fire numbers, plus helplines.

South African public holidays 2026

Every holiday with its date and long weekends.