In a challenge to South Africa’s marriage laws, a Durban woman has made headlines by symbolically marrying her second husband while remaining legally wed to her first.
Jo-Leen Geldenhuys, a 34-year-old known as the ‘Pink Pitbull’ in boxing circles, is advocating for the legal recognition of polyandry – the practice of a woman having multiple husbands – in a country where polygamy for men is permitted, but polyandry remains outlawed.
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Speaking out for polyandrous ‘throuples’
On April 26, Geldenhuys celebrated a traditional, non-legally binding wedding with her boxing coach, Santini Lee, 38, at Salmon Bay in Ballito.
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She continues to be legally married to Jack Geldenhuys, 37, her husband of 12 years and the father of her four children.
The trio, along with the children, live together in La Mercy, Durban, in a polyamorous arrangement that challenges societal norms and legal constraints in South Africa.
Geldenhuys’ journey to this unconventional family dynamic was not without hardship.
After a separation from Jack due to personal challenges, she endured an abusive relationship with a former high school sweetheart. Boxing became her refuge, where she would meet Lee, who helped her heal and rebuild her life.
Rather than divorcing Jack, the couple reconciled and welcomed Lee into their family, creating a ‘throuple’ built on mutual respect and open communication.
Despite the trio’s harmonious union, polyandry still remains outlawed in South Africa as Geldenhuys advocates for equality.
“Polyandry is more than a legal issue – it’s cultural and societal,” she says, as per the North Coast Courier. “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,” adds Geldenhuys.
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Laws around polyandry in SA
As per News24, South Africa’s marriage laws, particularly the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998, allow men to take multiple wives under customary law but do not extend the same right to women.
This double standard has sparked debate, with a 2021 Department of Home Affairs green paper proposing polyandry’s legalisation.
The proposal faced significant backlash, with critics arguing it would disrupt traditional family structures and African cultural values.
Despite the criticism, Geldenhuys remains sure-footed in her advocation.
Drawing inspiration from the LGBTQ+ community and her own experiences with gender-based violence, she uses her growing social media platform, particularly on TikTok, to advocate for marriage equality.
Her openness has resonated with others in similar relationships who fear societal judgment.
Documentary on the way
While Geldenhuys lacks the resources to challenge the law in court, she hopes her story will inspire change.
A documentary series, currently in production by 32Done Productions and directed by Simone Ross, will explore the family’s history, including the childhood traumas that shaped their perspectives on love.
“By sharing my story, I hope to inspire change,” says Geldenhuys.
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Feature Image: Instagram / @pinkpitbull_thriplelationship
