The statement you provided reflects a common principle in rural customary law succession practices, where the deceased’s property devolves onto the male heir. This inheritance carries with it a concomitant duty for the male heir to support and protect the woman or women married to the deceased under customary law, as well as the children born within that customary marriage and belonging to the deceased’s household or lineage. In rural areas, especially where customary law predominates, this rule is frequently applied. The male heir inherits not only property but also the responsibilities of care and protection for the widows and children of the deceased. Widows typically have use rights but not ownership rights over the property, which remains within the male lineage. The heir is expected to maintain family stability and continuity by fulfilling these obligations, reflecting the social and familial values embedded in customary law
. This principle is illustrated in South African case law, notably in Fanti v Boto and Others 2008 (5) SA 405 (C) , where it was recognized that in rural customary law contexts, the devolution of property onto the male heir includes the duty to support and protect the deceased’s widows and children
. Thus, the customary law system in rural areas emphasizes the collective family unit's welfare, with the male heir acting as custodian of both property and familial responsibilities, ensuring the protection of women married by customary law and their children
