For Zimbabwean-born author Sue Nyathi, the path from a self-published debut to a global Netflix sensation has been a journey spanning more than a decade. With her acclaimed novel The Polygamist recently adapted into a hit 22-episode series, Nyathi is currently marking a major career milestone—including her first-ever visit to Nairobi, Kenya, where she has been engaging with the vibrant East African literary and creative community.
A Long Road to the Screen
When Nyathi first penned The Polygamist—a story exploring the complex emotional and social dynamics of polygamous relationships through the eyes of the women involved—she never imagined it would become a television series.
"I hoped the story would travel and reach readers beyond its immediate audience, but I never specifically imagined a television adaptation," Nyathi shared in a recent interview.In fact, readers often beat her to the punch, frequently telling her that the book felt "cinematic" and belonged on screen long before any formal production deals were in place.
The road to Netflix was far from linear. Interest in the rights began as early as 2013, shortly after the book’s initial release.Over the next 13 years, the project faced several "starts and stops" as various production companies attempted to develop it.It wasn't until Stained Glass TV Productions—led by executive producers Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Thuli Zuma—came on board that the project finally gained momentum.
Bringing Characters to Life
Released globally on June 12, 2026, The Polygamist became an instant hit, ranking in the top 10 in 63 countries within its first two weeks.For Nyathi, watching her characters—like the "social media darling" Joyce Gomora—brought to life by a star-studded cast including Gugu Gumede and S’dumo Mtshali, was a surreal experience.
"As a writer, there is always a degree of anxiety when your work moves into another medium because you are entrusting your characters to other people," Nyathi admitted.However, she praised the adaptation for its authenticity, noting that the writers and directors respected the heart of her source material while successfully balancing the story's heavy themes with necessary moments of humor.
A First Visit to Nairobi
Currently in Nairobi for her first visit to the Kenyan capital, Nyathi has been connecting with fans and fellow creatives who have followed the success of the Netflix series. Her presence in Kenya underscores the "universal appeal" she has always strived for in her writing.
"The reason I wrote this book was to spark a dialogue on bigger overarching issues relating to marriage—and not just in an African context," Nyathi has noted regarding the themes of patriarchy and agency in her work. Her time in Nairobi serves as a testament to how stories born in Bulawayo and set in the Southern African context can resonate deeply with audiences across the continent and beyond.
As she navigates this new chapter of international recognition, Nyathi remains focused on her craft. Having transitioned from a career as an investment analyst to a full-time author of three novels—The Polygamist, The Gold Diggers, and A Family Affair—she confirms that she has many more manuscripts in the works, promising that the story of her own literary career is only just beginning.
The series 'The Polygamist' is currently streaming on Netflix.
