Love and Tradition Unite: South Africa Hosts Mass Wedding Blending Polygamy and Pageantry

Gauteng Province, South Africa — In a vibrant celebration of culture, commitment, and communal unity, dozens of couples exchanged vows this past weekend in a grand mass wedding ceremony in South Africa, turning an ordinary township into a colorful canvas of love and tradition. What made this event particularly striking was its open embrace of polygamy, reflecting a long-standing but often controversial element of South African customary law.

Hosted in the town of Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg, the event brought together over 50 brides and grooms—some entering monogamous unions, others formalizing polygamous marriages—in a spectacle blending African regality with spiritual symbolism. The air was thick with jubilation as traditional drums echoed through the streets, mingling with ululations, gospel choirs, and the rustle of beaded garments and embroidered wedding gowns.

The ceremony, organized by a local church in partnership with traditional leaders and civil authorities, aimed not only to bless new unions but to promote social cohesion, cultural pride, and legal recognition of customary marriages under the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998.

A Public Display of Private Bonds

Among the newlyweds was Mkhulu Johannes Mkhize, 64, who was marrying his third wife, Mampho, 36, in accordance with Zulu tradition. Dressed in a stately leopard-print cloak and wielding a ceremonial spear, Mkhize said the day was not only about love but also about restoring dignity to customary practices often misunderstood or stigmatized in modern society.

“We are not here to parade women,” he said. “We are here to honor our culture, our ancestors, and our responsibilities as men who do not shy away from commitment—whether to one woman or three.”

His wives, standing proudly beside him, nodded in agreement. “It’s not about competition,” said his first wife, Zandile. “It’s about building a home where all are respected and loved.”

Custom Meets Constitution

South Africa is one of the few countries where polygamous marriages are recognized under both civil and customary law, though such unions still ignite debates around gender equity, consent, and cultural preservation.

Critics argue that polygamy reinforces patriarchal norms, but supporters view it as a legitimate expression of African identity and a valid family structure when entered into consensually. Sunday’s ceremony, supported by local councillors and traditional healers, emphasized transparency, informed choice, and legal documentation.

Church leader Bishop Thabo Mokwena, who officiated the mass wedding, said the event was designed to “restore moral order and spiritual commitment in a society grappling with broken families and rising divorce rates.”

“We believe that when marriages—customary or Christian—are done in public, with blessings from elders, community, and God, they stand a better chance of lasting,” he said.

Spectacle and Symbolism

The ceremony was rich with pageantry. Brides arrived in a parade of ox-drawn carts and luxury vehicles, their attire ranging from white veils to traditional Tswana and Xhosa beadwork. Grooms wore animal skins, tailored suits, or church robes—symbolizing the blend of modernity and tradition that defines much of South African society.

The event drew hundreds of spectators, from curious onlookers to family members who danced, feasted, and offered prayers. Local vendors sold woven baskets, roasted meats, and bead necklaces, turning the occasion into an informal cultural festival.

Among the youngest couples was Nombuso Dlamini, 22, and Sipho Maseko, 24, who chose to wed at the mass event to save costs and honor their roots. “This is how our grandparents did it,” said Nombuso, holding a bouquet made from cowrie shells and indigenous flowers. “It’s beautiful, sacred, and ours.”

Legal, Cultural, and Emotional Implications

Legal officials were on hand to register each marriage formally, ensuring that all unions—including the polygamous ones—met national standards for documentation and rights protection. Women’s rights groups have cautiously praised such events when they include full consent and community oversight.

The South African Law Reform Commission has continued to study the complexities of customary marriages, advocating for frameworks that preserve cultural integrity while safeguarding human rights—especially for women and children.

A Celebration Beyond the Ceremony

For many participants, the day wasn’t just about matrimony; it was about visibility, validation, and a collective stand for cultural freedom in a rapidly globalizing world.

“Western media often portrays Africa as backward when we live our traditions,” said cultural historian and guest speaker Dr. Lerato Molefe. “But events like this reclaim our narrative. They say: we love, we celebrate, we choose—on our terms.”

As the sun set over the Vaal region, a final choir performance brought the day to a close. Newlyweds danced hand-in-hand, some for the first time as husband and wife, others with the ease of seasoned partners now legally recognized in the eyes of state and spirit alike.

About the Writer
Dr. Omoruyi is a political affairs columnist for iNewsAfrica, focused on governance, elections, and civic engagement across Africa.