Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
SUE NYATHI says there are many Jonasi Gomoras in Harare.
The author is riding the crest of a wave in the wake of the hit Netflix drama series ‘The Polygamist.’
She says the storyline mirrors the realities of many modern relationships, including secret affairs, which are common in urban centres, including Harare.
Nyathi wrote the book on which the hit series is based.
She appeared on Star FM’s TXO show, where DJ Mox hosted the celebrated author, yesterday.
The 22-episode Netflix series stars South African actor Sdumo Mtshali as the lead character, Jonasi Gomora.
The drama has attracted a global following because of its compelling portrayal of polygamy, infidelity and the complexities of family life.
During the interview, Nyathi revealed that her inspiration came from personal experience.
She witnessed open polygamy while growing up before relocating to Harare, where, she said, the practice is often concealed through secret relationships.
“I wrote about a subject I understand because I have experienced it first-hand,” she said.
“The inspiration came when I moved to Harare from Bulawayo.
“I started seeing many men in Harare who were in monogamous unions yet secretly involved in polygamous relationships.
“I was no stranger to polygamy because my maternal grandfather had five wives, while my great-grandfather had 11 wives.
“So, I had seen how polygamy was practised. It was open and transparent, but here in Harare I began to see the mushrooming of ‘small houses’.
“There was a lot of deceit and secrecy.”
She added:
“A man who wants to be a polygamist needs to be honest and transparent.
“He must have the resources because it does not come cheap. It is not an easy task.
“You must also consult others who have done it successfully and learn what made them succeed.”
She also advised those in monogamous relationships to embrace their choice.
“Life may be challenging but each model has its own virtues. If you choose a path, stick to it.”
“In traditional society, the first wife was often responsible for recruiting new wives.
“It was done openly and transparently.”
When asked why she mainly focuses on relationships and family issues in her writing, Nyathi said:
“They always say, ‘write what you know,’ and I see myself as a self-anthropologist.
“I would like people to look back at my work 20, 30 or even 40 years from now and understand our society.
“They will be able to go through my books and see that I am chronicling part of our journey as a society.
“These are subjects that are close to me because society is built on family.”
She also defended the current generation of children, popularly known as Ama2K, who are often criticised for being wayward, saying society also has a role to play in shaping their behaviour.
“We can say society has become rotten but what lies at the foundation of that?
“It is easy to criticise the fruits, but what are the roots of the problem?
“We want to blame Ama2K, but they are a product of our generation.”
She also praised the cast for exceeding expectations. “The cast is brilliant. It was perfectly cast, especially Jonas.”
“Jonasi was charming and women loved him, but there are three things that have led to the downfall of many men – the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life.
“In the Bible, these are the things that have led to the downfall of men.
“Men need to master their lives because life is all about choices.
“I don’t have a problem with polygamy, but what I don’t like is the underground polygamy we have today.
“We need to allow our women to decide.”
