Man With 281 Children, 47 Wives Dies

By Akinwale Kasali

Thousands of Angolans trooped out enmasse at the Mungongo Island in Luanda, Angola Capital, to pay their last respect and tribute to  Francisco Tchikuteny Sabalo, the man who sired 281 children from 47 wives.

The mourners flouted the Stay at Home order of Angolan President João Lourenço’s directive banning large gatherings – as a measure to curtail the spread of Coronavirus.

The record breaking Sabalo,  fondly called Pai Grande, died at the age of 73 after battling with prostate cancer for over a year, was initially taken to the country’s capital city of Luanda as well as other places for treatment, but was returned home when his condition worsened to ensure that, “if God called him, at least, he would die beside the children and their mothers,” one of his sons said.

A dedicated family man and respected personality in his community, Pai Grande was described as “a complete human being” who was an advocate for education.

Speaking to VOA in 2015, Sabalo, who said it was his wish for some of his children to take up careers in science and technology, revealed he spent over $1,500 on school supplies annually.

Three of his daughters currently are studying medical sciences and two sons are learning computer science.

Tributes from other family and community members also poured in during the funeral, with his first wife vowing to do everything she can to keep the family together as per her husband’s wish.

“I will do anything to keep his children fed and OK,” she told VOA.

Pai Grande’s family live on subsistence farming, growing crops and rearing livestock. They also generate revenue from their sales.

He was “a complete human being” who prized family and championed education, one speaker said during the service held beneath sun-screening canopies on arid Giraul do Meio, known locally as Mungongo Island, near the southern port city of Namibe.

The late Pai Grande is regarded as an Icon in Angola.