Anika Dambuza sparks a national conversation on female breadwinners in South Africa

South African content creator and reality television star Anika Dambuza, popularly known as The City Makoti, has shed light on a subject that is often kept in silence: being the primary breadwinner in a marriage. This revelation, shared through a candid TikTok video, has sparked a national dialogue about gender roles, financial expectations and the essence of partnership in contemporary relationships.

Dambuza, who graces screens on Mzansi Wethu's reality show The Real City Makoti, opened up about her role as the financial provider in her household. What began as a personal reflection evolved into a broader cultural discourse, challenging societal norms that still tie a man's worth to his financial contributions. “Why does talking about a female breadwinner make people feel so uncomfortable?” she said in her viral video.

The content creator proposes that many women choose to remain silent about their roles as primary earners to protect their partners. “A confident man is not embarrassed by his partner’s success,” Dambuza asserts, revealing that her own husband has been a pillar of support throughout her journey. “I wouldn’t have been able to do anything that I’ve done without him,” she added.

Through her open discussion, Dambuza underscores a vital shift in societal dynamics: the increasing prevalence of female breadwinners is more common than many realise. “A female breadwinner is extremely normal in my reality,” she said. “Money doesn’t lead a family, values do,” she continued.

From Dambuza’s perspective, independence and the ability to support oneself should be a priority for all women not out of devaluation of partnership, but as an affirmation of their strength and self-worth. “Every woman must be able to take care of herself,” she explained.

Yet, Dambuza acknowledges the complexity of the conversation. She reflected on her interracial marriage, which previously stirred controversy, and noted how her current stance on financial roles continues to evoke mixed reactions. “Female success is not a problem, insecurity is,” she stated, emphasising that a solid foundation built on honesty and support will always outweigh one built on false pretenses.

The backlash has manifested vividly on social media, with platforms filled with various opinions regarding Dambuza's openness about her marriage. Supporters have praised her for normalising a reality that resonates with numerous South African women, while sceptical voices argue that some information is better kept private. User @ElriReit commented: “What Anika is doing is the reality of a lot of South African women; it’s just that a lot don’t speak about it,” while others like @Blhond questioned the necessity of transparency about financial roles within a union and said “Why do we need to know who makes more? Marriage needs secrets.”

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Saturday Star