Give me a child or I die': Sober Reflections on Polyandry and Polygyny within Mankweng Township, Limpopo Province of South Africa

The long-standing practice of polygyny (wherein African customary marriage allows an individual male to marry numerous females) has been openly criticised for being archaic and perpetrating against women's rights. This paper explores the perceptions of the Mankweng community on the thorny issue of polyandry and polygyny. The study was grounded in a human rights-based approach and radical feminism. An exploratory qualitative design was used to conduct the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews from different age groups and sexes, the married and unmarried. A non-probability sampling method was chosen, purposive sampling. Data were analysed using thematic data analysis. The study showed that most people lack knowledge of these two polygamous marriages. The findings showed how religion and cultural underpinnings dictate people's reasoning. The authors recommend open holistic engagements with indigenous communities and other appropriate authorities to conscientise people of relevant laws and policies that govern marriages in South Africa.