The plan to legalize polyandry in South Africa has sparked a social media frenzy, with people expressing their mixed reactions. Men in South Africa were not transparent about their wives having more than one husband, while women were fascinated and shared how having two husbands would make their lives simpler.
Polyandry was quite common in the Lake Region of Central Africa instead of polygamy. Both women and men are allowed to have more than one spouse in Gabon, although only men typically follow the practice of keeping multiple wives.
Kaya 959 men weigh in on polyandry being legal in South Africa:
I genuinely had no idea it was against the law for women to marry more than one husband, which was strange in and of itself. We should all marry whomever and however many times we choose, as long as everyone is satisfied. But, in terms of equitable human rights, I believe it is a minor step in the right direction. It is hoped that it would open people’s minds to alternative ways of understanding intimate relationships in the future. – Thabo
I believe it is a foreign idea, and I do not think it has been thoroughly thought out. What we should wonder is, what is the meaning of polyandry? Monogamy and polygamy occur for fundamental reasons, in my opinion, and both have influenced our culture. Adopting foreign philosophies for the sake of “freedom” to choose, in my view, can be very risky. – Tshepo
READ:Polygamist Musa Mseleku says NO to SA women having Isithembu
I am a staunch supporter of the “traditional” family structure. My religion requires me to have more than one partner, but very stringent rules must be followed to be considered legitimate or just, and transgressors often distort the meaning to fit their desires.
Polyandry is an idea I can’t seem to grasp; as a husband, I can’t picture my wife sharing a bed/home/child with anyone else.
How does this work logistically for her? Will she be required to ‘hold’ two homes? Will her wifely responsibilities be doubled? What effect does this have on siblings of different fathers? I know that some tribes in Kenya have been doing this for generations. How does this translate into the Western world? – Bhekizizwe
I believe it is primarily a personal decision, as long as those concerned have a common understanding. It is a novel concept in our culture, and it will take some time for people considering it. We still live in a free world where people can live their life as they choose, so let them be free. – Bandile
READ:I do, I do and I do again – SA’s mixed views on polyandry
Life is about making decisions, and I’m pleased that our law is heading toward allowing South African women to choose to have more than one partner legally. Polygamy has been regarded as “normal” for decades, but perhaps this consideration will bring us to a point where we will agree that it is “normal” for a woman to desire more than one husband, much as certain men prefer more than one wife. In the same manner, this would offer men the option of being in a polyandrous marriage or not. It’s just about choice. – Tebogo
It might be considered taboo in a patriarchal culture, but I see it as a “tables turned” case, with the shoe on the other foot, and how society can accept/rebuke such an idea. As a traditional citizen, how does one exercise their heritage protocols with more than one husband? Will traditional leaders put it in stone, or will it be an unconventional process?
Let’s face it, marriage is a financial contract as much as it is a testament of passion, and my question is, who would wear the “Money Pants” in the relationships? – Thabang
Until the end of June, the public has to make their comments regarding this Marriage act being legal in South Africa.
Women are already dating multiple partners. Making polyandry legal will not cause women to do something they have never done before.
— Tokyo Sexwale (@TokyoSexwaleSA) May 15, 2021
Joburg woman marries two men 🤝 pic.twitter.com/t5NmsaN5VF
— Mikozi Network (@MikoziNetwork) May 16, 2021
