Cultural expert slams Isencane Lengane for ‘misrepresenting’ polygamy

Cultural expert, Professor Gugu Mazibuko, has expressed deep concern over the controversial reality show Isencane Lengane, calling it a damaging misrepresentation of how married men should navigate polygamy within traditional African values.

Professor Mazibuko has urged broadcaster, Moja Love, to seriously reconsider the content of the show, warning that it undermines the very cultural principles it claims to portray.

Isencane Lengane is a reality show about a young couple, Siyacela Dlamuka and Thando Msomi, who got married at just 16 years old.

Now both 21, their relationship has again come under fire, this time for Siyacela’s emotional abuse and disrespectful behaviour captured in the latest episode as he pursues a second wife.

In a disturbing scene, Siyacela is seen hurling insults at Thando, while also showing blatant disrespect towards his elders – an act Professor Mazibuko says is completely out of step with traditional values.

The scholar says Siyacela behaves like a delinquent.

“He doesn’t listen to anyone. In a traditional homestead, when a young couple seeks guidance – they listen to their elders.

She added that while society continues to evolve, the role of elders and the respect they command should remain sacred.

She says Moja Love clearly doesn’t grasp the gravity of what is happening on Isencane Lengane.

Professor Mazibuko points out that even the language used by Siyacela is not only inappropriate, it’s deeply offensive and degrading, adding that this kind of vulgarity should not never be broadcast.

The episode has sparked outrage, with many South Africans calling for the show to be canned.

Viewers have flooded social media accusing the channel of promoting abuse and toxic relationships in the name of ratings.

Some have even lodged formal complaints with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), accusing Moja Love of breaching ethical broadcasting standards.

Civic organisation, Women for Change, is also fuming over the latest episode, saying the show is normalising gender-based violence (GBV) and sending a harmful message that abuse is entertainment, as long as it keeps viewers watching.

“By continuing to air Isencane Lengane, Moja Love is telling the nation that abuse is acceptable if it drives ratings.

This is not the first time the channel finds itself in hot water. In 2023, the BCCSA fined the entertainment broadcaster R50 000 for the same show. Written by Lindiwe Mpanza