Sue Nyathi, the author of The Polygamist, has validated a fan theory regarding the significance of the character Jonasi Gomora’s surname. This response comes as the Netflix series garners positive feedback from audiences.
The discussion began when X (Twitter) user @SiyabongaOnX raised questions about Jonasi Gomora’s surname on Sunday, 14 June 2026. The user argued that the name seemed out of place considering the character’s Zulu heritage and noted perceived errors in the show’s representation of legal matters.
“I enjoyed this show, but these are the little things that bother me about local television. He’s a Zulu man, so what kind of surname is Gomora??? This and the random legal things they got incredibly wrong. I understand it’s fiction, but it’s the little things that add so much value.”
Sue Nyathi clarifies fan theory on Jonasi Gomora’s surname
Another X user, @valavoosh, proposed that the surname might carry symbolic weight. The response read:
“Doubt it’s a real surname, so this is where suspension of disbelief comes when engaging fiction. I bet Gomora is in reference to the biblical city of Gomorrah and how it symbolises a profound wickedness. And that Jonasi man is more than wicked.”
As online discussions unfolded, Sue Nyathi addressed the topic directly. She confirmed that Jonasi’s surname, Gomora, indeed has a symbolic link to the biblical city of Gomorrah, which was destroyed for its immorality. The post was captioned:
“You are 💯 correct. That’s the very reason I chose Gomora and not Gumede.”
Sue Nyathi explains bird and fish scene in The Polygamist
Additionally, Sue Nyathi provided insight into a specific scene from the 22-episode Netflix series. An X user, @_mamozeze_, inquired about the meaning of a scene that depicts a bird swallowing a fish. The post was captioned:
“In The Polygamist, what does the bird swallowing the fish symbolise? Who is the fish, and who is the bird?”
On Tuesday, 16 June 2026, Nyathi clarified that the scene reflects a riddle concerning compatibility. She elaborated that the bird and fish are unable to coexist. The post was captioned:
“It is based on a riddle to highlight incompatibility. If a bird and a fish mate, where would they live? If they choose water, the bird will drown. If they choose air, the fish will die because it needs water.”
