A vibrant polygamous mass wedding at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) near Johannesburg united 55 couples on Easter Sunday. The celebration reflected a blend of color, devotion, and deep-rooted tradition. Notably, seven of the unions welcomed a new wife into an existing polygamous family, aligning with the church’s teaching on plural marriage.
Bride Evelyn Sekgalakane walked down the aisle holding hands with Shirley Molala, her soon-to-be sister wife. Behind them was the groom, Lesiba Molala, preparing to take Evelyn as his third wife. Shirley, his second wife for 25 years, had helped guide Evelyn through the spiritual process leading up to the ceremony.
Shirley explained that Lesiba’s late first wife had chosen her. Because of that early welcome, she found it easier to embrace Evelyn. Over time, Evelyn and Shirley became close, which made the transition into a shared marriage more natural. Evelyn said Shirley had become a true confidante.
Lesiba, now 67, said he chose polygamy after joining the IPHC. The church forbids dating and encourages members to marry only within the congregation. As he put it, “one woman would not be enough,” so rather than cheat, he decided to marry again.
The mass wedding, held in Zuurbekom, is one of three the IPHC organizes every year—during Easter, September, and December. Each celebration is known for its grandeur, structured rituals, and strict dress code. For instance, women may not wear trousers, expose their arms, or go without head coverings. Men must wear jackets. Church officials inspect everyone’s attire at the gate to ensure compliance.
Celebrations began at noon with loud music, joyful cheers, and a crowd dressed in church uniforms or Sunday best. As bridal parties arrived in waves, each tried to outshine the other. One group wore lime green, while another featured a groomsman in Gucci.
Later, the arrival of church leader Leonard Frederick G Modise, known as “the comforter,” elevated the occasion even more. He entered in a convoy of luxury vehicles, including two Rolls Royces. A marching band and riders on horseback added to the spectacle.
As the sun began to set, the formal ceremony started. Each bridal party walked the red carpet and slowly made their way down the white-carpeted aisle. The service ended with blessings for the couples and their families. Consequently, the celebrations continued well into the night.
Although weddings are common in South Africa, large-scale polygamous ceremonies like this are rare. The IPHC, an African independent church, has authority to officiate such unions—provided they are registered with the Department of Home Affairs.
Mpho Makwana, a senior church official, explained that the IPHC’s view on polygamy has evolved since its founding in Soweto in 1962. Today, the congregation exceeds 3.1 million members across southern Africa. Importantly, the church requires a multi-stage vetting process before marriage. This includes three pre-marriage ceremonies and mandatory HIV testing.
According to Makwana, both partners must disclose their test results before they proceed. The church then records the results to avoid future conflicts. As a result, this policy has reduced divorce rates and protected couples from deception.
Shirley praised the family structure. Previously, the three wives often wore matching outfits and shared a strong bond. Evelyn, who had three children before returning to the church, said the support she received made her feel accepted. With her marriage to Lesiba, her children joined the family, bringing his total to thirteen.
Each wife lives in a separate home. However, Evelyn will stay with Lesiba during the early phase of the marriage to help the couple bond.
Another couple, Freddy Letsoalo and Rendani Maemu, also married during the Easter ceremony. Freddy first saw Rendani ten years ago at a friend’s wedding. Although they didn’t speak then, he never forgot her. Years later, they became Facebook friends, but communication was minimal. Eventually, in December 2024, Freddy informed his family and church leaders of his intentions.
Rendani, raised in the church, said she had always expected the possibility of joining a polygamous marriage. She felt surprised but happy when Freddy expressed interest. On her wedding day, she wore a crystal-encrusted gown with a long train and a tiara. Nine bridesmaids accompanied her down the aisle.
The couple now focuses on their new life. Both remain open to polygamy in the future. “I know my husband might choose to enter a polygamous marriage,” Rendani said. “I believe in polygamy.”
While some South Africans continue to debate the relevance of polygamy, churches like the IPHC embrace it. According to Prof Musa Xulu, a religious expert, such churches balance Christian and African traditions. They maintain their own doctrines and help families resolve disputes.
At the IPHC, every polygamous mass wedding reflects more than just tradition—it affirms community values, spiritual commitment, and shared responsibility. For the couples involved, this celebration marks the beginning of a life guided by faith, structure, and mutual respect.
