10 South African Celebrities in Polygamous Marriages They Keep Private – You Won’t Believe Who’s Number 9!

Polygamy has long been a cultural practice in many parts of Africa, and South Africa is no exception. While some public figures openly embrace the tradition, others find themselves in the spotlight due to their unexpected involvement in polygamous marriages.

These celebrities—ranging from musicians to politicians—have made headlines for their relationships, which often challenge societal norms and expectations.

Here, we take a look at 8 South African celebrities who have surprised many with their polygamous marriages, proving that love, family dynamics, and cultural traditions are as diverse as the people themselves.

1. Ngizwe Mchunu: 3 Wives

Ngizwe Mchunu is a well-known South African radio personality and former SABC presenter. Mchunu has been an outspoken figure in the media, often creating controversy with his views on local politics and social issues. While he has always been a public figure, many were surprised to learn that he is in a polygamous marriage with three wives.

Mchunu’s decision to take multiple wives shocked some of his fans, especially considering his very public persona and modern outlook. However, he has defended his polygamous lifestyle, stating that it is in line with his cultural beliefs and traditions. For many, Mchunu’s marriage exemplifies the complex intersection of modern celebrity life and traditional African practices.

2. King Monada: 2 Wives

King Monada, one of South Africa’s most popular musicians, is best known for his hit songs in the Limpopo music scene, particularly his success in the Amapiano and bolobedu genres. Despite his public image as a humble and down-to-earth artist, many were taken aback when King Monada revealed that he has two wives.

His polygamous marriage is an example of how some artists can maintain a strong connection to their roots while balancing their public personas. Monada’s wives are often seen in public with him, and he’s been open about the love and respect he has for both of them.

While some may view his decision as unconventional for a modern artist, King Monada maintains that polygamy is a personal choice rooted in his culture and beliefs.

3. Musa Mseleku: 4 Wives

Musa Mseleku is a well-known reality TV star and businessman, most famous for his show Uthando Nes’thembu, which documents his life with his four wives. Although Mseleku’s polygamous lifestyle is well-documented, it still continues to surprise many viewers who are not accustomed to seeing such a large family in the public eye.

As a public figure, Musa has been very open about the challenges and rewards of having multiple wives. He often discusses the dynamics of managing multiple relationships and the responsibilities that come with polygamy.

While some find his lifestyle controversial, others appreciate his transparency and willingness to discuss the complexities of maintaining polygamous marriages in a modern context.

4. Sjava: 3 Wives

Sjava, the award-winning South African musician known for his unique fusion of traditional and modern sounds, is another celebrity who has embraced polygamy. Despite his success in the music industry and his reputation as a heartthrob, Sjava surprised many fans by revealing that he has three wives.

The singer has been very private about his relationships, but in interviews, he’s shared that his decision to take multiple wives was influenced by his cultural beliefs. Polygamy is an important part of his heritage, and Sjava has explained that he values his role as a husband to each of his wives equally.

His openness about his polygamous lifestyle challenges the typical narrative of celebrity relationships, particularly in the music industry.

5. Jacob Zuma: 6 Wives

Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s former president, is one of the most famous figures in the country associated with polygamy. With six wives, Zuma’s relationships have often been a topic of national conversation, and his personal life has been subject to significant media scrutiny.

Zuma’s decision to marry multiple women, which has roots in Zulu culture, was highly publicized during his political career. His polygamous marriages have sparked debate about the intersection of politics, culture, and personal freedoms.

While his critics have used his marriages to question his values and leadership, Zuma himself has remained steadfast in his belief that polygamy is an important cultural and personal choice.

6. Lucky Gumbi: 2 Wives

Lucky Gumbi, a businessman and former reality TV star, has made headlines with his polygamous marriages. Known for his appearances on shows such as The Real Housewives of Durban, Gumbi has been open about his decision to marry two wives.

His polygamous lifestyle challenges the traditional notions of relationships in the entertainment industry, where monogamous unions are more common. Gumbi’s transparent approach to his marriages, as well as his ability to balance both relationships in the public eye, has drawn attention and, at times, controversy.

7. Thomas Chauke: 5 Wives

Thomas Chauke is a well-respected South African musician known for his contributions to the Xitsonga music scene. Chauke has made headlines not only for his music but also for his polygamous lifestyle, as he is married to five women.

Chauke is deeply embedded in traditional culture, and his family life is a reflection of his commitment to cultural practices. He often speaks about the importance of family and the role that polygamy plays in maintaining cultural heritage, which has helped some of his fans understand his decisions.

However, the complexity of managing five wives has been a subject of public curiosity, and Chauke’s openness about his life has sparked a broader discussion about polygamy in modern South Africa.