Mzokhona Mbeje wants to ask his traditional wife, Funeka Danca, to allow him to marry his city girlfriend. To make things more awkward, the potential second wife is much younger than Funeka.
According to Mzokhona, he dreamed of his late grandfather who expressed his wish for his grandson to take on a second wife. So why Mzokhona specifically and not any of the grandfather’s other grandchildren? Well, Mzokhona inherited his grandfather’s healing gifts, which makes the two spiritually connected. His grandfather also had three wives.
The power of tradition
When Musa meets Mzokhona, Mzokhona paints a happy picture of his family. Musa then asks why the traditional healer would want a second wife if everything is rosy at home.
Mzokhona explains that since he took on his grandfather’s healing gifts, he needs to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. This includes being in a polygamous marriage.
“Mbeje’s reason for wanting to take a second wife is valid, especially to those who follow tradition. It might sound far-fetched to those who don’t understand traditional customs,” Musa explains. Let’s hope that Funeka also sees it that way.
The city bride
Philile Vilakazi and Mzokhona met three years ago at the local garage where Philile works. Mzokhona noticed her when he was delivering herbs to one of his customers.
As the story goes, Mzokhona and Philile developed a relationship. There was even a period where they broke up for a brief moment. And one of the main reasons they rekindled their relationship is because of Mzokhona’s dream.
“My grandfather came to me in a dream and asked why I had broken up with the Vilakazi lady. He said that he gave me Philile and that she’s the one he wants me to marry,” says Mzokhona.
Funeka brought to tears
It’s time to face the music in the Mbeje household as Musa introduces himself to Funeka and asks Mzokhona to tell her why they have gathered there today. Actions speak louder than words and, as soon as Mzokhona explains the situation to Funeka, Funeka bows her head and lets out the most exhausted sigh we’ve ever heard.
“I hear you, but what you’re saying is overwhelming me,” Funeka explains. “No woman expects to be in a polygamous marriage… you’re breaking my spirit, I won’t lie to you,” she continues.
Funeka is taken aback by everything as she did not expect Mzokhona to take on a second wife so soon. In the end, she says that even though it hurts, she will accept it as it is an instruction from the ancestors.
Funeka begins to cry but there’s nothing she can do as she reiterates that, “what’s done is done.” What a heart-breaking moment.
When tradition and modernity meet
Emotions are high all around as Philile begins to cry in anticipation of Funeka’s answer.
“It’s not the first time I see her,” Philile confesses. “I’ve seen her at church.” Once again, the betrayal reveals itself.
“I’m also just as shocked because it’s not the first time I see her,” Funeka reveals. Funeka goes on to say that she was suspicious of the two but Mzokhona denied that there was anything going on between him and Philile.
“They tricked me and I fell for it,” says Funeka.
Funeka says she accepts Philile into the family but one thing is for sure, Funeka doesn’t think Philile is going to survive the village life. Funeka has been calm this whole time but she knows that Philile will crack under pressure.
Mnakwethu S2 airs every Tuesday on Mzansi Magic, channel 161, and express to DStv online. Episodes on DStv online are available until 26 October 2021.
