A story published years ago can still find an audience that changes its future. For Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi, the Netflix adaptation of The Polygamist brought international attention to a novel first published in 2012.
Her journey offers a compelling example of what can happen when an established body of work reaches a new platform. It also holds a practical lesson for women building businesses, personal brands and creative careers: the work you already have may deserve another spotlight.
Who Is Sue Nyathi?
Born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and now based in South Africa, Sue Nyathi is an author whose professional background includes finance, investment and economic development consulting.
She studied finance at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, later completing a master’s degree in Finance and Investment. Alongside her professional career, she continued writing, making space for creativity beyond financial markets and analytical work.
Her writing also appeared in the Sunday Mail’s “Steaming Off” column in Zimbabwe. Readers responded to her articles about love and relationships, sharing their own experiences and encouraging her to write a book.
After relocating to Johannesburg in 2008, Nyathi pursued publication more actively. Her debut novel, The Polygamist, was published in 2012. Her other books include The Gold Diggers, A Family Affair and An Angel’s Demise.
Across her work, she explores relationships, migration, family tensions and the social realities that shape people’s lives.
From a Published Novel to a Netflix Hit
In June 2026, The Polygamist made its Netflix debut as a 22-episode series based on Nyathi’s novel. According to Netflix’s report published on August 4, 2026, the adaptation had reached No. 1 in 21 countries and the Top 10 in 62, accumulating 27.6 million views.
The attention translated into renewed demand for her writing. Sales of The Polygamist tripled following the series’ debut, while her other books also benefited from the increased interest. A story that had been available for more than a decade was now reaching people who might never have encountered it on a bookshelf.
The Visibility Lesson: Give Existing Work New Ways to Be Discovered
At Women of Rubies, our takeaway from Nyathi’s journey is that visibility can create fresh opportunities for work that already exists.
For an author, that may mean a screen adaptation. For an entrepreneur, it could mean introducing an established service to a different market. For a consultant, it might involve turning a useful framework into a workshop or building a partnership that brings their expertise to a new audience.
These opportunities differ in scale, but they raise the same question: who has yet to discover the value of your work? Nyathi’s story does not offer a formula for a global breakthrough. It does show how a new format and distribution platform can connect existing work with new demand.
What Women Building Brands Can Apply
Start by reviewing what you have already created. Consider a successful project, a useful resource, a service clients appreciate or a story that still matters.
Then ask yourself:
- Is its value clear to someone encountering it for the first time?
- Could another format make it easier to discover or understand?
- Which platform, community or partner could introduce it to a relevant audience?
- Is there a clear next step for people who want to buy, book or learn more?
Visibility becomes more useful when attention has somewhere to go. Make it easy for new audiences to find your work and take action.
What Deserves a Second Spotlight?
Sue Nyathi’s Netflix breakthrough began with a story written years before its screen adaptation. For women creating and building, that is a reason to look again at the work already in your hands. Your next opportunity may involve presenting it differently, sharing it more widely or finding a partner who sees its potential.
What have you created that deserves to reach more people?
Explore Sue Nyathi’s books and author journey at suenyathi.co.za.
This feature is part of Women of Rubies’ “The Visibility Behind Her Success” series, exploring women’s achievements and the lessons their journeys offer for building visibility.
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