Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya (51),has opened up about his three wives who all stay under one roof.
“Polygamy is one of our cornerstones and I would like to
shed more light on the practice, which is founded on equality and ensuring one
grows their legacy even beyond their life. I’m married to MaMkandla, MaMkhwananzi, and
MaKhanye and currently have eight children. I cannot say I will stop at three
wives, no, that is dependent on what the elders will require of me.
“However, I know that I will grow this clan and do my best
to continue in the footsteps of my forefathers. Polygamy is not a product of
lust as some people assume but a cornerstone of our culture, which was
instituted to grow our people,” he added.
“In polygamy, equality and honesty must reign supreme for
one to be able to build a happy marriage. I have always been clear with all my
women and all of them get to know that I’m a polygamous man whose role is to
fulfil the vision of his forefathers. It’s not about greed or lust but
safeguarding my culture as a traditional guy.”
Prof Ngwenya told the Chronicle that his wives have a
communal lounge and kitchen, which gives them and the children a chance to
bond.
“You cannot spend all your time with the new wife, no,
you’ll destroy your marriage. You have to have resources of course. There is no
way you can earn US$100 and you want polygamy, it won’t work! How do you share
$100 even among two women?
“As a learned man I know how important it is to protect
women from any form of abuse, hence we don’t have seniority in our marriage. They
are all equal and whenever there are disputes, we try and solve them amicably
without fear or favour so that even the day I die these women will live
peacefully knowing there were no favourites and that I loved and treated them
equally.”
COMMENTS