Woman's polyandrous wedding challenges SA marriage laws

The symbolic wedding of a married woman to a second husband in Ballito has reignited debate over gender equality, cultural norms and legal inconsistencies in South Africa's marriage laws.

- Kaylan Geekie

Jo-Leen Geldenhuys, 34, known as the "Pink Pitbull" in boxing circles, married her boxing coach, Santini Lee, 38, in a traditional, though not legally binding, ceremony at Salmon Bay on 26 April.

She remains legally married to her husband of 12 years, Jack Geldenhuys, 37, with whom she has four children.

Polyandry—where a woman has multiple husbands—is not recognised under South African law, while polygamy for men is permitted under customary law.

"Afrikaans culture holds strong religious and patriarchal traditions, which can be isolating when advocating for progressive ideas," she said.