Uthando Nes’thembu’s MaKhumalo: “Polygamy chose me”

The Mseleku family changed the way some South Africans view polygamy. When the family, based in KwaZulu-Natal, made their debut on the Mzansi Magic reality show Uthando Nes’thembu, some people quickly shared that they wouldn’t mind being in a polygamous marriage after seeing how well the husband, Musa, treats his four wives. They all have houses and cars, and all their financial needs are met. The family also often goes on vacations together and they celebrate each other’s milestones.

While it might seem like it’s easy, Thobile, affectionately known as MaKhumalo, has revealed that this was never part of her plan. Speaking to BBC Africa, the third wife explained that she didn’t choose polygamy. “Polygamy chose me. I did not choose to be with my husband, but my husband came to me.”

MaKhumalo, who is very popular on social media, added: “I never thought of it. I would never wish for it. But it happened that the man I fell in love with was a polygamous man. I fell in love with his character, I fell in love with the way he does things, I fell in love with the way he loves his wives, I fell in love with his honesty,” she shared.

https://twitter.com/Kamogelo_MN/status/880489691044352001

Although she’s sharing her husband with three other women, she made it clear that the wives have a good relationship. “We have developed a system that is working for us.”

While the marriage is working for MaKhumalo, she revealed that she wouldn’t encourage anyone who’s not yet married to marry into polygamy. “I’m not about that. I understand very well that marriage is a choice, so I chose to be in it,” she told BBC Africa.

It’s so refreshing to see how honest and open MaKhumalo is about her journey – the good and the bad. Remember when she brought viewers to tears after revealing that she is unable have children? It was also heartwarming to see how her husband stood up for her after the news came out.

MaKhumalo doesn't have fallopian tubes. SA is sad 😭 I hope Musa will be willing to try IVF. She'd be an amazing mother 🙏🏽 #UthandoNesthembu

— Karabo Mokgoko 🦄🌞 (@Karabo_Mokgoko) July 6, 2017

In an interview with TshisaLive, Musa said: “I love MaKhumalo and she is a great mother to all my children, even though she did not give birth to any of them. She is strong and a strong believer in God as well, and we know her story touched many.”

If you’re curious about how the Mselekus make this marriage work, then you have to watch the first and second season of Uthando Nes’thembu on Showmax. Who knows – the show might just change your views on polygamy.

Start watching now »