Online Reporter
Gift Moyo, [email protected]
South African actor S’dumo Mtshali has urged men across the world not to idolise Jonasi Gomora, the central character he portrays in the Netflix adaptation of Sue Nyathi’s bestselling novel, The Polygamist.
Since the show’s debut, social media has been flooded with discussions about Jonasi, with many viewers claiming to know men who lead lives similar to the character’s. In the story, Jonasi Gomora is a wealthy banking magnate and self-made business tycoon who projects an image of ultimate success and a perfect family life. However, his carefully curated empire ultimately crumbles due to his insatiable appetite for women, infidelity, and secret families.
Portrayed with a complex mix of charm and narcissism, Jonasi represents a familiar archetype in real-world Zimbabwean and African society: the powerful, wealthy man who masks his infidelity and secret families under the guise of polygamy.
The series has sparked heated debate online, with some men defending Jonasi’s actions and arguing that modern social and romantic dynamics push men towards such behaviour. Many women, however, have expressed concern over the character’s deception, saying the story has left them questioning the trust they place in romantic partners.
Speaking on the BLK TV podcast alongside fellow cast members Gugu Gumede and Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Mtshali reflected on the widespread reactions the 22-episode series has generated since its premiere on June 12. Having spent months embodying the complex role, Mtshali said portraying Jonasi gave him valuable insight into the consequences of the character’s choices.
“What I realised when acting out the role of Jonasi Gomora is that black men specifically celebrate these kinds of men. We know them and see them every day as politicians, athletes, actors and celebrities. Looking at Jonasi throughout the series, everything he did was a way to get out of a situation, and in doing so, he found himself in another situation, repeating the cycle over and over again.
“The cycle evolves, gets worse, and eventually, he finds himself in an irreversible situation, costing him his life. I think it’s time for black men to look at these real-life examples of Jonasi and realise that not everything is as it seems and is portrayed to them.
“I’m excited for people to see this character, just as I was excited to act as him,” said Mtshali.
Throughout the podcast discussion, cast members described Jonasi in largely unflattering terms, highlighting the emotional damage caused by his actions and decisions.
Mtshali also made it clear that his real-life character had absolutely nothing to do with the character he portrayed as Jonasi. He went as far as saying he would never date someone with Jonasi’s personality traits in real life, reinforcing his view that audiences should see the character as a cautionary tale rather than a role model.
As conversations around The Polygamist continue to dominate social media, Jonasi remains one of the most talked-about television characters of the moment, provoking debate about relationships, masculinity, accountability, and the consequences of living a double life.
