In a vibrant celebration of faith and tradition, 55 couples exchanged vows during a grand mass wedding at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) in Zuurbekom, South Africa. Among the newlyweds was Lesiba Molala, 67, who walked behind his two brides Evelyn Sekgalakane, dressed in white, and Shirley Molala, his second wife of 25 years, symbolizing the acceptance of polygamy deeply rooted in the church’s teachings.
The Easter Sunday event was not just a wedding; it was a spectacle of music, pageantry, and tradition, drawing thousands of attendees. Only seven of the unions were polygamous, but all were open to adding new wives in the future, in line with the IPHC’s belief that God endorses polygamy. This faith-based approval echoes passages from the Old Testament and is an integral part of the church’s doctrine. Shirley, who welcomed Evelyn as a “sister wife,” emphasized the spiritual foundation and harmony that define polygamous unions within their faith. She was handpicked by Mr. Molala’s late first wife, demonstrating how the selection process is often a communal and religious affair.
The festive atmosphere outside the auditorium was filled with blaring church songs, cheers, and vibrant attire, ranging from the church’s signature blue-and-white uniforms to designer outfits. Strict dress codes were enforced at the gate, with women required to cover their heads and avoid trousers, while men had to wear jackets. Once inside, gender separation was observed, and the bridal parties processed down a white-carpeted aisle to cheers and traditional songs. Church leader Leonard Frederick G Modise, known as “the comforter,” made a grand entrance accompanied by a marching band, a horse parade, and a fleet of luxury vehicles including two Rolls Royces.
The IPHC, which boasts a congregation of over 3.1 million across Southern Africa, holds three mass weddings each year—during Easter, in September, and in December. The church, founded in Soweto in 1962, blends Christian doctrine with African traditions and is one of the few religious institutions in South Africa that openly officiates polygamous marriages. While polygyny is legally recognized under customary law in South Africa, it is rare for such unions to be celebrated in church settings.
The process of joining a polygamous marriage in the IPHC is deeply spiritual and methodical, involving several pre-nuptial ceremonies, HIV testing for transparency, and months of church-led vetting. This level of preparation, officials say, fosters long-lasting unions and minimizes divorce. Mr. Molala, now a husband of three and a father of 13, ensures each family lives in separate homes, while Evelyn will begin her marital journey living with him before settling into her own space.
The church’s moral code forbids dating, promoting marriage as the only acceptable form of romantic engagement. Mr. Molala explained his decision to marry multiple women as a commitment to faithfulness: rather than cheat, he chose polygamy. Evelyn, initially hesitant, embraced her new family after bonding with Shirley, who had extended warmth and guidance.
Beyond the Molala family, many other couples also tied the knot for the first time. Freddy Letsoalo and Rendani Maemu, both raised in the church, had known each other from afar for years before reconnecting through Facebook. Their union, like many others that day, was the culmination of faith, patience, and adherence to tradition.
While polygamy remains a contentious issue in South Africa, where over 85% of the population identifies as Christian, the IPHC continues to normalize and celebrate it within its doctrine. With its blend of spiritual conviction, African cultural heritage, and community-focused processes, the church is carving out a unique space in the religious and social landscape of Southern Africa.
Leave a comment