A Married South African Woman 'Weds' Her Boxing Coach in a Traditional Ceremony in a Symbolic Polyandrous Marriage
- Victor Nwoko
- May 11
- 2 min read
A symbolic wedding held in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, has reignited national debate around gender equality, cultural norms, and the legal inconsistencies within South Africa’s marriage laws. The ceremony involved 34-year-old Jo-Leen Geldenhuys, also known as the “Pink Pitbull” in boxing circles, who entered a traditional but non-legally binding union with her boxing coach, 38-year-old Santini Lee, on April 26 at Salmon Bay—despite still being legally married to her husband of 12 years, Jack Geldenhuys (37), with whom she shares four children.
South African law currently permits polygamy for men under customary law but does not recognise polyandry—where a woman has more than one husband. This legal disparity has raised broader concerns about gender rights and religious influence in the country's legal system.
Geldenhuys, originally from the North West and now residing in La Mercy, has received both support and backlash for her unconventional relationship. “Afrikaans culture holds strong religious and patriarchal traditions, which can be isolating when advocating for progressive ideas,” she stated. She emphasized that the criticism she faces spans multiple cultural communities and not just her own.
“Polyandry is more than a legal issue—it’s cultural and societal,” Geldenhuys explained. “I’ve received messages from other couples who are afraid to speak out. That’s why I will continue to advocate for recognition of polyandrous relationships.” Drawing inspiration from the LGBTQ+ community, she believes her experience promotes deeper conversation around personal freedom, legal reform, and the role of religion in shaping law.
Under Section 9.3 of South Africa’s Constitution, the Bill of Rights guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on grounds including marital status. Geldenhuys argues this should support the legal recognition of polyandrous unions. Globally, polyandry is legal in countries like Nigeria and Kenya. In regions such as India and Tibet, fraternal polyandry—where a woman marries two brothers—is also accepted.
A 2021 green paper by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs proposed legalising polyandry, a suggestion that provoked national controversy. Many conservative voices deemed the idea “unAfrican.” Among the vocal opponents was reality TV personality Musa Mseleku, a polygamist with four wives, who expressed concern over potential disruptions to traditional family structures and legal complications surrounding paternity.
Although Geldenhuys says she lacks the financial resources to challenge the law in court, she remains determined. “By sharing my story, I hope to inspire change,” she said.
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