In the midst of the spotlight on Kwa-Zulu Natal polygamist Musa Mseleku’s family, his son Mpumelelo Mseleku is stirring controversy on social media for allegedly neglecting to pay lobola, a traditional dowry, for his three girlfriends.
Critics argue that Mpumelelo’s polygamous union lacks legitimacy until he adheres to this customary practice. Despite the criticism, Mpumelelo remains unyielding in his admiration for his father’s polygamous lifestyle. Expressing a desire to surpass his father’s four wives, the 22-year-old views polygamy, known as is’thembu, as a ancestral gift.
In a recent interview, Mpumelelo shed light on his upbringing within a polygamous family and emphasized the normalcy of disagreements among wives, considering them an integral part of the journey. Undeterred by the backlash, he is determined to fully embrace a polygamous life.
The Mseleku family’s upcoming reality show, “Izingane zeS’thembu,” promises a deeper exploration of Mpumelelo’s journey and will likely reveal whether he intends to fulfill the traditional lobola requirement for any of his girlfriends. As the controversy unfolds, the show is poised to provide a unique insight into the dynamics of a modern polygamous family.