Mackenzie or not to Mackenzie?

Social media has been abuzz this week with South Africans debating the necessity of a woman taking a man's surname. 

It comes in the wake of an article about a Department of Home Affairs official insisting on issuing women's names with their marriage surnames, despite applicants explicitly stating that they would prefer their maiden names issued.

Social media users were quick to share their opinions and some of the views shared are absolutely shocking and deeply rooted in patriarchy. 

I believe a woman has a choice on whether or not she wants to change her surname. 

Die ding is.... a man thinking a woman not taking his surname is emasculating is problematic in itself.

A surname cannot define a union so sacred.

Marriage and love is about more than a surname. It's about two people committing to each other - to live, learn, have fun and grow together. 

It's about giving your significant other the space to be their own person, but also creating an environment for two people to become one. 

I've lived through many things with my surname. It holds many memories. Writing my name for the first time in Grade 1. Taking first prize and having the principal call out my name during assembly, being selected for the SA hockey team, finishing matric and ticking off my name on the register.

Changing my surname and letting go of 26 years of memories? Ek dink darem nie so nie.  

I don't believe in changing one's identity for marriage. My name is my identity.

The expectation that women should change their last name for marriage, is sexist. 

It's 2016 and women are not cattle which need to be branded with its owner's name.

I have nothing against women who choose to take their husband's surnames. Each to their own. 

What remains an issue is this ideology that women HAVE TO change their surname to signify their love and bond with their partner.

HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW!