The three wives of renowned Bulawayo-based gynaecologist, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, say they have managed to build a sisterhood rarely seen in a polygamous setup.
Prof Ngwenya’s three wives, MaMnkandla, MaMkwananzi and MaKhanye spoke to the Chronicle this week about their polygamous marriage.
The youngest MaKhanye recently gave birth and MaMkwananzi is heavily pregnant, which left MaMnkandla the senior to speak in depth about their marriage. She said:
Most people are quick to claim that maybe we are being abused or that we are backward etc but the truth is polygamy is part of us as a people and there is nothing wrong with it as long as you accept the conditions and why it exists in the first place.
I knew that I would have sister wives from day one and when I was told that MaMkwananzi was joining us, I even called my family and told them that I had a sister wife.
Yes, we are housewives and we have no regrets so far as we understand why we are here and our duties in the Ngwenya household.
We are not slaves, no, we actually have two domestic workers to help us with the cooking and cleaning as we have a duty to take care of all Ngwenya children.
We live in one big house, each one of us has a bedroom and a bathroom but we share the kitchen, lounge, TV area and everything in the house.
We value family time so much and as such we have one television set which we share as we try and bond as sister wives and the children.
Prof Ngwenya has eight children and has said his minimum target is 12.
MaMnkandla said they have learnt to resolve disputes peaceably adding that moods are not tolerated in the household. She said:
You know polygamy is easily manageable when all parties take responsibility for playing their part, it works perfectly.
My sister-wives are like my own biological sisters and yes, we are bound to disagree and fight but we always find a way to keep the Ngwenya household happy.
… We also know that we may have future sister wives who must be able to jell in and help us grow the Ngwenya clan.
If he dies as some people usually say, we will continue living together and raising the children together as been the norm in this household.