The reality of polygamy: Musa Mseleku's impact on South African TV

Father of 10, husband to five, businessman and polygamist - Musa Mseleku's multifaceted life has managed to captivate audiences and kept viewers glued to their screens for eight seasons.

With his unique blend of modern charm and mostly traditional values, Mseleku has built a media empire that offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into his life and that of his family.

One of the key factors behind Mseleku's success in reality TV is his willingness to share his personal life, including the challenges and benefits of polygamy, on his acclaimed reality show, "Uthando Nes’thembu".

They give viewers a candid look into the life of a polygamist family. By offering an unfiltered look at his relationships with his wives and children, Mseleku has created a unique and captivating viewing experience that sets him apart from other reality TV personalities.

This approach has not only sparked important conversations about polygamy and traditional values but it has also helped to make them more relatable to audiences.

He has taken viewers on a journey since the first season of the reality show, and now, season eight of "Uthando Nes'thembu" is currently airing and fans are loving it.

The show, which now airs twice a week instead of once, follows the lives of Mseleku and his five wives and has become a staple in many Mzansi households.

This season has been just as dramatic as the previous ones if not more, with Mseleku introducing Samke “MaKhwela” Mseleku as “u number five” (the fifth wife) to the family after hinting his desire to have a new wife during the previous seasons. 

This season has also seen its fair share of drama, emotions and tension. One of the most significant storylines has been the departure of wife number two, Nokukhanya “MaYeni” Mseleku, from the family homestead. 

According to the show, she left due to health issues and stress, which included challenges in her marriage to Mseleku. Her decision has had a ripple effect on the family, particularly her children with Mseleku, who are seen struggling to cope with her absence.

Mseleku's health has also been a major focus of this season. After suffering two strokes, he's been on a journey of recovery and healing. The show offers a candid look at his experiences and how his family has rallied around him. 

Notably, his fourth wife, Mbali “MaNgwabe” Mseleku, who had previously threatened to leave the family when the fifth wife joined, has remained by her husband’s side throughout his illness.

The introduction of the fifth wife has also brought its own set of challenges. While the first wife Busisiwe “MaCele” Mseleku has welcomed the new addition to the family with open arms, the other three wives have not been as receptive.

“MaYeni”, the second wife, seems indifferent to the new wife, stating that she is Mseleku's wife, not hers. Thobile “MaKhumalo” Mseleku, the third wife, was not pleased with her husband marrying someone from her area, highlighting concerns about potential connections or conflicts. 

Meanwhile, “MaNgwabe”, the fourth wife, has expressed her disinterest in the new wife and remains adamant about leaving the marriage, despite Mseleku's recent health scare.

But "Uthando Nes’thembu" is not the only show that offers a glimpse into Mseleku's life.

Another reality show, "Izingane Zes’thembu", focuses on the lives of Mseleku's children with all his wives.

The show gives viewers a look at how the kids are living their lives when they are not at home, including their experiences studying and living in Johannesburg. It's a fascinating look at what the kids get up to outside of their family life.

With its unique blend of drama, humor, and heart, "Uthando Nes’thembu" remains one of the most popular shows in South Africa.

"Izingane Zes’thembu" is also enjoying the success of the family reality show, with season 3 returning to the screen soon.

∎ Watch "Uthando Nes’thembu" on Wednesdays and Thursdays on Mzansi Magic (Dstv channel 161) at 8pm.