Love vs. Law: South African Woman’s Polyandrous Wedding Stirs National Debate
SOUTH AFRICA – A married South African woman has challenged the country’s marriage laws by symbolically wedding a second husband, reigniting debates over gender equality, legal inconsistencies and cultural norms.
Jo-Leen Geldenhuys, a 34-year-old boxer known as the ‘Pink Pitbull,’ married her boxing coach, Santini Lee (38), in a traditional but non-legally binding ceremony at Salmon Bay on April 26.
Despite her new union, she remains legally married to her husband of 12 years, Jack Geldenhuys (37), with whom she shares four children.
South African law allows polygamy for men under customary law, but polyandry—where a woman has multiple husbands is not legally recognized.
Geldenhuys’ decision challenges this disparity, pushing for equal marriage rights.
Geldenhuys, originally from the North West and now residing in La Mercy, believes deeply in marriage equality.
“Afrikaans culture holds strong religious and patriarchal traditions, which can make it difficult to advocate for progressive ideas,” she said.
Despite facing online criticism from various cultural backgrounds, she remains committed to pushing for the legal recognition of polyandrous relationships.
According to Citizen.co.za, her decision has sparked widespread discussion, highlighting both legal restrictions and societal attitudes.
Geldenhuys has received messages from other couples who fear speaking out about their unconventional relationships, saying this fight goes beyond just polyandry—it’s about personal freedom and the role of religion in shaping laws.
Polyandry is legal in Nigeria and Kenya and fraternal polyandry where a woman marries brothers—is still practiced in parts of India and Tibet.
In 2021, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs proposed legally recognizing polyandry, sparking intense national debate.
While supporters argue it promotes gender equality, critics, including reality TV star Musa Mseleku, have raised concerns about its impact on family structures and paternity rights.
“I don’t have the resources to take this to court. But by sharing my story, I hope to inspire change”, Geldenhuys stated.
