Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
SUKOLUHLE “Sue” Nyathi’s literary star continues to rise following the successful adaptation of her debut novel, The Polygamist, into a television series that has become one of the most talked-about productions on Netflix South Africa.
The drama has captured the attention of audiences across the region, while also sparking fresh calls for more of the Zimbabwean author’s work to be brought to the screen. For many viewers, the series has been both gripping and relatable, opening the door to wider conversations about storytelling from Zimbabwe.
Since its premiere, The Polygamist has created a strong buzz as audiences follow the complex and often troubled life of Jonasi Gomora. The series has been praised for its suspense, emotional strength and its honest look at issues such as power, wealth, betrayal and family relationships. Its success has introduced Nyathi’s storytelling to a wider audience and renewed interest in her growing collection of books.
Among those celebrating the success of The Polygamist is Austria-based Zimbabwean musician and cultural ambassador Vusa Mkhaya, who believes this moment should mark the beginning of more of Nyathi’s novels being adapted for television.
Mkhaya has strongly supported the idea of turning another of Nyathi’s well-known books, The Gold Diggers, into a television series.
“We need to see Sue Nyathi’s The Gold Diggers adapted to a series too. This is a novel about Zimbabwean migrants who leave their homeland and make a dangerous journey to Johannesburg, South Africa, hoping to find opportunity and a better life. I’m sure every family has one or two people that have left,” said Mkhaya.
He said that one of the main strengths of the novel is the way it tells its story through several different characters, rather than focusing on just one person.
“Rather than focusing on a single protagonist, the book weaves together multiple lives.
showing how each character navigates hope, loss, resilience and moral choices in a new country. Critics and readers often praise it for its human portrayal of the Zimbabwean diaspora and the emotional complexity of migration.
Because it’s a story that many people can relate to,” he said.
Set during Zimbabwe’s economic collapse in 2008, The Gold Diggers follows a group of passengers travelling from Bulawayo to Johannesburg in a crowded Toyota Quantum. Each person in the vehicle has their own reason for making the journey, along with their own hopes and struggles.
Among them is Gugulethu, who is searching for her estranged mother. Dumisani is chasing dreams of wealth and success, while twins Chamunorwa and Chenai are trying to leave behind a difficult past. Portia, travelling with her son Nkosi, hopes to reunite with her husband, who only comes home once a year.
Together, their stories paint a powerful picture of sacrifice, desperation and determination. They show the risks people are willing to take in search of a better life in Johannesburg, a city often seen as full of opportunities.
At the heart of the novel is a simple but important truth — that life in Johannesburg is not as easy as many believe.
The idea that its streets are “paved with gold” is challenged, as the characters discover that survival often requires far more effort and resilience than they had expected.
For many observers, the success of The Polygamist series shows that there is a growing demand for African stories that are honest and rooted in real experiences. Audiences are increasingly drawn to narratives that reflect the true nature of African societies, relationships and everyday life.
Nyathi’s rise is also seen as an important moment for Zimbabwean literature. For years, local writers have produced strong and meaningful work, often receiving praise from critics. However, very few have had the opportunity to see their stories turned into large-scale film or television productions.
The success of The Polygamist suggests that this may be starting to change. There is now growing interest from the entertainment industry in stories that come from the region and speak to universal themes.
Industry observers say streaming platforms are now actively looking for stories that are both local and global at the same time — stories that reflect a particular place, but still connect with audiences everywhere. Nyathi’s writing fits this need well, as her books deal with issues such as marriage, gender roles, social status, migration, identity and belonging.
Because of this, many believe that her work is well suited for more screen adaptations.
The attention surrounding The Polygamist has also brought new focus to Nyathi herself. Readers who were not familiar with her work are now discovering her books, while long-time followers are revisiting her earlier stories.
This renewed interest has led to a growing appreciation for her writing, which has long explored the lives, struggles and dreams of Zimbabweans both at home and in the diaspora.
As the conversation around The Gold Diggers continues to grow, many feel that adapting the novel for television would not only build on the success of The Polygamist, but also help tell another important Zimbabwean story to a global audience.
In many ways, Sue Nyathi’s journey reflects a wider shift — one where African writers are finally being recognised and given space on international platforms. If the success of The Polygamist is anything to go by, her stories may be just getting started on the global stage.
