
26 April 2019
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.
The Real Housewives of Durban S5 on Showmax
Catch new episodes of The Mommy Club every week
More Mzansi gold

Reënboogrant’s first term report
What subjects are we passing, and who’s getting a failing grade? Find out how the students at Hoërskool Reënboogrant did in their first term on Showmax.

Nhlanhla Kunene drops masterclass ahead of Adulting finale
Nhlanhla Kunene delivers a masterclass ahead of the highly anticipated Adulting Season 3 finale, highlighting how to portray men with authenticity, vulnerability, and complexity

Ansu Viljoen on The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad, being a mom and more
Ansu Viljoen gives us the scoop on The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Friday.

Kites stars on how far they’d go for their friends
Fresh from its sold-out premiere at Joburg Film Festival, Kites premieres on Showmax on Friday 25 April. Directed by first-time feature film director Menzi Mzimela.