The National Assembly on Wednesday approved amendments to customary law that will make it possible for women born out of customary marriages to inherit their deceased parents' estate.

The Reform of Customary Law of Succession Bill, which was unanimously supported by all parties, will see provisions of the current legislation, allowing only the eldest son to inherit the estate of the deceased head of a family, being repealed.

All children born out of customary marriages, irrespective of their gender, will now be able to claim a share of their deceased parents' estate in accordance with intestate succession laws.

Addressing the National Assembly during a debate on the measure, Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla said the Bill represented a huge step in the country's transformation process.

"It introduces fundamental changes to the customary law of succession in that it aims to abolish the customary rule of primogeniture in so far as it applies to the law of succession and to bring it in line with the Constitution," she said.

It was abundantly clear that the current customary succession law needed to be overhauled as it discriminated against women and children.

The measure would ensure that customary practices were not discriminatory.

"This bill will achieve equality for the most marginalised in our society, particularly women and children," Mabandla said.

Sapa