Man weds four women ‘to save money'

Durban, South Africa, 07 Oct-(ANA)-South African businessman Milton Mbele broke all the traditional rules of a polygamous wedding when he recently married four women on the same day.

The four brides dressed in flowing white gowns walked down the aisle together, before saying "We do" to the 44-year-old groom.

Mr Mbele says he didn't marry them purely for the spectacle but also because it made financial sense.

"I don't know how much four different weddings would have cost me but I know doing it all at once saved money," he explains.

"For example I only needed one tent, I needed to hire one caterer and one photographer for the entire ceremony."

He says he loves all his wives - Thobile Vilakazi, Zanele Langa, Baqinisile Mdlolo and Smangele Cele - equally and also treats them that way.

Mr Mbele himself wears four rings on his finger - he says this is a sign of his commitment to all his wives.

The wives say they were shocked by the news that Mr Mbele wanted to marry them at once but add that they agreed because they love him.

Mr Mbele is the breadwinner in all his homes - none of his wives are employed. They say they are happy to be provided for by their husband.

He owns 100 cows and 250 goats and has a good job, so he is relatively wealthy, at least by traditional standards.

FA/ANA/07 October 2009----