The Polygamist: The Johannesburg series sparking debate in communities

Few Netflix shows have captured South Africans’ attention quite like The Polygamist. Since its release over the weekend, the drama series has become one of the most talked-about productions on social media, in workplaces, taxi ranks and family gatherings. It has even made its way into some bedrooms - and honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if it has caused some relationships to end!

Adapted from Zimbabwean-born author Sue Nyathi’s acclaimed novel, the series follows the life of Jonas Gomora, a businessman whose rise from poverty to immense wealth is matched only by his complicated relationships with women.

Jonas is a classic example of the Pedi saying, “Monna ke selepe o a adimisanwa,” which loosely translates to, “A man is an axe; he is borrowed out.” The proverb is often used in discussions about polygamy and male relationships, suggesting that a man may have relationships with more than one woman - a cultural justification for polygamy or infidelity. 

Played by Sdumo Mtshali, Jonas grows up in poverty in Soweto and dreams of building a better life. From his teenage years, Jonas had a reputation for being a womaniser. While dating multiple girls in school, he met Linda (played by Celeste Ntuli), a hairdresser who would give him money to go and further his studies. 

He leaves Linda to pursue his education but promises to return, marry her, build her a mansion and buy her a car. Linda would later become Jonas’ secret wife and the mother of his children - a common reality in a city like Johannesburg.

While in college, Jonas meets another woman, Joyce (played by Gugu Gumede), whose father runs a business. To cut a long story short, the two get married and, after the death of Joyce's father, grow the business into a highly successful JSE-listed company. While Jonas works hard to build the business, his wife, Joyce, helps him but is also a social media influencer who would do anything to showcase a “perfect” marriage. Through determination and business success, Jonas becomes a wealthy entrepreneur, yet his obsession with women continues, despite having a beautiful wife and children.

Jonas gets a side chick called Matipa (played by Kwanele Mthethwa). Rather than ending a relationship with his wife and Linda, his actions eventually lead to a polygamous family structure, raising questions about love, loyalty and the realities of modern-day polygamy. It also puts culture in the spotlight, highlighting how proper structures need to be in place so that women are not victims of infidelity disguised as polygamy.

Jonas buys Matipa a mansion - another common story in Johannesburg where wealthy married men buy properties for their girlfriends. Although he later marries her, Jonas continues to seek new love interests. His downfall eventually stems from his inability to remain faithful to his wives, creating a trail of heartbreak, secrecy, and betrayal that threatens everything he has worked for. You will have to watch the rest of the Netflix series to see how the story unfolds, but trust me when I say every episode will leave your jaw on the floor.

The Jonas we all know and the realities of polygamy

While the story centres on one man, many viewers believe Jonas represents a familiar character found in many communities. We can all relate, whether it’s having a Jonas as a father, uncle, neighbour, friend or makhelwane (neighbour), Jonas is that man who has children all over and can’t keep his pants zipped, even if it means sleeping with your daughter’s best friend!

The show’s popularity comes at a time when conversations around polygamy remain prominent in South Africa, partly due to reality shows such as Uthando Nes’Thembu. While polygamy has long been part of some cultural traditions, The Polygamist explores the emotional, financial and health-related challenges that can arise when relationships become complicated.

Beyond the relationships, the series also touches on issues such as sexually transmitted infections, accountability and the consequences of prioritising wealth and status over personal wellbeing, especially for women in such setups. Another theme it explores is physical abuse.

One of the scenes in the series highlights how poverty can lead some parents to groom their children into seeing men as financial opportunities. Jonas' daughter’s best friend is manipulated by her mother, who owns a tavern, into seducing and sleeping with men in the hope of receiving money and escaping poverty. It is yet another story that is all too common on the streets of Jozi.

Reflections of Jozie and a lesson for all

Johannesburg remains one of South Africa's major HIV burden centres, with over 600 000 people living with the virus. The Polygamist, through Jonas' story confronts real-life consequences of unprotected sex, multiple sex-partners, and the reality of polygamous marriages. 

These themes have resonated with many viewers, who see the show as more than just entertainment.

Johannesburg itself plays a significant role in the story. From township streets to affluent suburbs, the series showcases different sides of the city and reflects the aspirations, struggles and lifestyles that many residents encounter daily. Viewers are able to recognise familiar settings, and social dynamics. 

Perhaps that is why The Polygamist has struck such a chord. It is not simply a story about one man and his many relationships. It is a story about life in the City of Gold, family, community, temptation, culture, and health. 

Whether viewers sympathise with Jonas or condemn his actions, one thing is certain: The Polygamist has become one of the biggest conversation starters in South Africa, leaving audiences divided, entertained and eager to discuss the lessons hidden within its dramatic storyline.

The Gauteng Health Department shared a clip from the series and asked Joburgers to practice safe sex and make use of the options such as PrEP and Lenacapavir to help protect against STDs and HIV.