Meet South African Church that Supports Polygamy

On Easter Sunday, the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) in Zuurbekom, southwest of Johannesburg, became the stage for a remarkable event: 55 couples tied the knot in a mass wedding ceremony, seven of which were polygamous unions.

Among them was Lesiba Molala, 67, who stood at the altar with his new bride, Evelyn Sekgalakane, and his second wife of 25 years, Shirley Molala.

A Union Rooted in Tradition

The ceremony was a vibrant display of faith, culture, and commitment. Evelyn, radiant in white, walked hand-in-hand with Shirley—her soon-to-be "sister wife"—while Lesiba awaited them at the altar. The trio’s union was one of several polygamous marriages solemnised that day, all conducted under the church’s strict moral code.

For Shirley, polygamy is not just a lifestyle but a divine principle. "I love polygamy because it is rooted in Biblical teaching," she explained, referencing Old Testament traditions. She was originally chosen by Lesiba’s first wife, who passed away, and has since embraced her role in guiding new wives into the family. "We once wore matching clothes as sisters. Now, I welcome Evelyn the same way."

A Spectacle of Faith and Discipline

The wedding was a marathon of jubilation, stretching over five hours. Thousands of congregants gathered outside the church, their cheers blending with blaring gospel music. Bridal parties arrived in grand style—one groomsman donned Gucci, while bridesmaids shimmered in electric lime green.

The IPHC enforces stringent modesty rules: women covered their heads and arms, while men wore jackets. Inside, genders sit separately during services, and dating is forbidden. "I realised one woman wouldn’t be enough for me," Lesiba admitted. "Rather than cheat, I chose polygamy."

The Church’s Unconventional Path

Polygyny—a man marrying multiple wives—is legally recognised in South Africa under customary law but remains rare in Christian ceremonies. The IPHC, however, is an exception. Founded in 1962 in Soweto, it now boasts 3.1 million followers across southern Africa.

Senior official Mpho Makwana explained that polygamy has "evolved with the church." Prospective spouses must be members, and unions undergo months of vetting, including HIV tests to ensure transparency. "No surprises are allowed," Makwana emphasised, noting this policy has reduced divorces.

Love, Logistics, and Legacy

For Evelyn, 44, joining the Molala family was a journey. A former member who returned to the church, she initially hesitated about polygamy but found solace in Shirley’s warmth. Lesiba has now informally adopted her three children, bringing his total to 13. Each wife maintains a separate household, though Evelyn will temporarily live with him.

Meanwhile, first-time newlyweds Freddy Letsoalo and Rendani Maemu symbolised the church’s younger generation. Their romance began with a glance at a 2015 mass wedding but remained platonic until Freddy proposed in December 2024. "I’ve always dreamt of this day," Rendani confessed, resplendent in a crystal-encrusted gown. Both are open to polygamy, should the call arise.

Controversy and Continuity

Polygamy remains divisive in South Africa. Reality TV shows have demystified it, yet debates persist about its relevance. Religious expert Prof Musa Xulu acknowledges the IPHC’s hybrid faith—"half-Christian, half-African"—but praises its structured approach. "They mediate family disputes and uphold doctrine," he said.

As the Easter wedding concluded, the newlyweds received blessings from the church’s leader, Leonard Modise, known as "the comforter." His grand entrance—complete with a Rolls-Royce and marching band—mirrored the day’s theme: tradition and modernity, faith and family, all intertwined under one roof.

For the IPHC, these unions are more than ceremonies—they are a testament to a way of life that, though controversial, endures through discipline, devotion, and an unshakable belief in divine design.