Why women may soon be able to have more than one husband and why polyandry is so controversial

Critics say it flies in the face of African custom and will tear apart our social fabric, absolving men of their family responsibilities and leading to a generation of kids not knowing their fathers.

Those in favour say it’s a big step for gender equality in South Africa and will advance economic and cultural freedoms for women.

The “it” in question are the proposed changes to the Marriage Act, which aims to allow everyone in the country to have recognised legal marriages.