Johannesburg, South Africa – If you had told Sue Nyathi fourteen years ago that her debut novel, which was then gathering dust on self-published shelves, would one day become a global Netflix sensation, she would have likely laughed in your face. Today, however, the Johannesburg-based author is basking in a "surreal" reality as her book, The Polygamist, has been transformed into a hit 22-episode series that has taken the streaming world by storm.
The series, which shot to number four on the global charts within just a week of its release, has already racked up over two million views. It has become one of the most-talked-about shows in South Africa, sparking intense debates across social media and dinner tables alike. For Sue, now 48, the success is a long-overdue validation of a career built on persistence and a deep love for storytelling. “The reception has been surreal,” Sue tells YOU from her Johannesburg home. “It’s felt like a confirmation that all my hard work hasn’t gone in vain.”
A Tale of Greed, Lies, and Multiple Wives
The Netflix adaptation follows the chaotic life of Jonasi Gomora, a wealthy and powerful Johannesburg businessman played by the talented S’dumo Mtshali. Jonasi is portrayed as an insatiable playboy whose life of greed and infidelity eventually leads to a catastrophic collapse of his carefully constructed world. The narrative centres on the four women in his life, each representing a different facet of his duplicity.
His first wife, Joyce (played by Gugu Gumede), lives under the illusion of a monogamous marriage, completely oblivious to her husband’s double life. Meanwhile, his mistress Matipa (Kwanele Mthethwa), with whom he shares twins, is constantly scheming to secure a permanent place by his side. The drama deepens with the introduction of Essie (Celeste Ntuli), a secret second wife, and Lindani (Luyanda Zwane), his much younger girlfriend. The level of Jonasi’s entitlement and dishonesty is described as mind-boggling, as his secrets and betrayals eventually crack the very foundation of the empire he built. As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to a narrative that is as messy as it is ugly—and seemingly impossible to stop watching.
Rooted in Reality: The Inspiration Behind the Story
While the television series is set against the backdrop of modern-day South Africa, the original book was set in Zimbabwe and drew heavily from Sue’s own observations. Growing up in Bulawayo, Sue was aware of polygamy from a young age; her maternal grandfather had five wives. In that setting, the arrangement was out in the open and considered a normal part of life.
However, it was when Sue began working in Harare in 2001 that she noticed a different, more deceptive form of the practice. She observed married men who presented themselves as strictly monogamous while quietly maintaining entire other families that their primary wives knew nothing about. “The dynamic was intriguing,” she notes. “So when I thought about a book, it was a no-brainer.”
The series has not been without its detractors. Some critics argue that it presents a distorted view of polygamy, while others praise it for finally "lifting the lid" on a topic that is often whispered about but rarely discussed openly. Sue remains unfazed by the controversy, believing that the dialogue itself is a form of success. “It’s been amazing to see the different views people had on the show, the lessons they learnt and how it affected them,” she says. “In art, representation matters. People want to be seen and many see themselves in this story, which is also why it was triggering for some – and that’s the whole point.”
A Journey Defined by Persistence
Sue’s path to becoming a household name was far from easy. Born Sukoluhle in Bulawayo to parents Max and Judith, she spent much of her childhood in libraries due to a lack of books at home. Her passion for writing was ignited in high school at Girls’ College, where she penned her first book, Crazy Over You, inspired by the Sweet Valley High series. Despite her early talent, she initially pursued a career in finance after being unable to enter law or journalism school.
Working as a financial analyst by day, Sue moonlighted as a columnist for the Zimbabwean newspaper Sunday Mail, writing about love and relationships. “I used to think of myself as a little like Carrie Bradshaw,” she admits, referencing the iconic Sex and the City character. Her move to Johannesburg in 2008 reignited her hunger for fiction, leading her to complete the manuscript for The Polygamist in just six months in 2010.
What followed were two grueling years of rejection letters from publishers. Refusing to give up, Sue borrowed money to self-publish the novel. “I thought it would fly off the shelves. When it didn’t, what hurt most was knowing I had paid for everything myself,” she recalls. The turning point finally arrived three years later at the Time of the Writer festival in Durban. “Standing on that stage and sharing my culture through my writing was something I’ll never forget,” she says. “I felt seen. I was surrounded by authors I had admired for years and it genuinely felt like a door had opened.”
From Financial Analyst to Full-Time Author
The festival provided the platform she needed, and sales began to climb. Her second novel, The Gold Diggers, was quickly snapped up by Pan Macmillan in 2018. “When Pan came through, it was more than just a deal – it was validation that I was exactly where I was supposed to be,” Sue says. This success allowed her to resign from her job in finance to focus on writing and raising her son, who is now 12.
Even then, the road remained bumpy. After releasing A Family Affair in 2020 and starting a writing stint for the soapie Generations, the global lockdown hit, closing bookstores and stalling her momentum. It was in 2022 that a "lifeline" appeared in the form of Stained Glass Productions, who wanted to option The Polygamist for television. Although Sue was not directly involved in the adaptation, she is thrilled with the result. “They kept the essence of the book and even the parts they changed gave the series so much colour. Seeing it all come to life felt incredible.”
When she finally saw the completed series in May, Sue found herself just as hooked as the rest of the world. “I told myself I’d watch two episodes a day, but once I started I couldn’t switch it off! I sent my son off to school and then I was glued to the TV. I didn’t work for two days.”
As millions around the globe continue to lose themselves in the world of Jonasi Gomora, Sue Nyathi is already looking ahead. She is currently putting the finishing touches on a short story anthology titled Manhood: Confessions from the Heart, scheduled for release in July. From the quiet libraries of Bulawayo to the global stage of Netflix, Sue’s story is a testament to the power of African narratives and the unwavering spirit of a writer who refused to take 'no' for an answer.
