Umakhwapheni

Umakhwapheni is a South African term, primarily from the Nguni cultures, referring to a person—often a woman—who is involved in an extramarital affair, particularly one that includes the bearing of children outside of the primary marriage. The term denotes not only the act of infidelity but also carries social implications, reflecting on family dynamics and cultural values surrounding marriage and fidelity. The concept can evoke a range of responses in society, from stigma to acceptance, depending on cultural attitudes toward relationships and family structures.