The gripping narrative of The Polygamist has left audiences in South Africa profoundly affected, allegedly even resulting in a shortage of contraceptives. The unsettling downfall of Jonasi Gomora, portrayed by award-winning actor Sdumo Mtshali, seems to have ignited a rush for safe sex products among fans.
On 16 June 2026, user @SigaBopha__ on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the anxiety sweeping the nation after witnessing Gomora’s harrowing end, suggesting that viewers were so alarmed by his fate that they flocked to purchase condoms from a well-known pharmacy.
“You really scared a lot of people. Even the condom shelves are empty.”
The tweet included an image of a nearly emptied Durex condom display alongside a chilling frame from The Polygamist, showcasing Sdumo’s ghostly and frail form in his final scenes.
For several weeks, audiences have watched with dread as Gomora faced severe repercussions for his reckless choices. Married and later taking a second wife, his brazenly promiscuous lifestyle and continuous disrespect for his family ultimately led to his downfall.
Source: Instagram
Gomora’s vindictive first wife, Joyce, pushed to her breaking point by the ongoing public embarrassment and pride of his other partners, devised a cruel plan of revenge: arranging for an HIV-positive woman to seduce him.
The storyline’s impact was intensified by Gomora’s unyielding pride. Despite his considerable wealth, he dismissed Western medicine and antiretrovirals, opting for traditional remedies instead. As expected, his health steadily deteriorated.
By the season’s conclusion, the once-mighty figure had become a frail, wheelchair-dependent version of his former self. In a final twist of fate, Joyce enacted her revenge by neglecting him and witnessing his suffering until his last moments.
With Mzansi still grappling with the stark reality presented by the show, it can be concluded that The Polygamist has accomplished more for safe-sex awareness than many traditional campaigns in recent times.
See the post below.
Social media reacts to sold-out contraceptives
Reactions poured in on social media as viewers expressed astonishment, praising The Polygamist for effectively conveying a message about safe sex.
KG_ZA2025 remarked:
“TV is important. This is why we need more shows that still portray HIV as a serious threat. People have grown complacent, thinking it’s not a serious issue. In our efforts to de-stigmatize HIV, we’ve made people too comfortable.”
Tshepixo__21 commented:
“The Polygamist could be the new Soul City, without a doubt.”
IamPoliSci added:
“Let’s bring back the importance of condoms!”
MoagaesiKa31162 praised Jonasi Gomora:
“Jonasi is a hero.”
th3CritclMaestr stated:
“No more taking risks after watching that show.”
