A MASS wedding celebration held at a South African church over Easter has reignited debate around polygamy, as 55 couples, including seven polygamous unions, tied the knot in a ceremony infused with faith, tradition and pageantry.
At the heart of it all was bride Evelyn Sekgalakane, dressed in white and glowing as she walked hand-in-hand with Shirley Molala — her soon-to-be ‘sister wife’ — toward the altar at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) in Zuurbekom, just south-west of Johannesburg.
Trailing behind them was the groom, Lesiba Molala, who was about to marry his third wife. For the Molala family, it was a day of unity, faith and shared commitment, not controversy.
According to a report by the BBC, this elaborate Easter Sunday celebration, complete with marching bands, Rolls Royces, and a red carpet, saw the convergence of thousands of church members and supporters in a ritual that has become a fixture of the IPHC calendar.
‘God approves of polygamy’
While only seven of the 55 unions celebrated were polygamous, all couples declared themselves open to adding more spouses in the future. The crowd chanted, ‘He is a God who approves of polygamy,’ echoing the church’s deep-rooted beliefs.
Shirley Molala, who has been married to Lesiba for 25 years and helped select Evelyn as a second sister wife, said: ‘I love polygamy because it is rooted in Biblical teaching.’
Quoting Old Testament scripture and personal experience, she shared how the process of welcoming a new wife becomes easier when it starts with mutual spiritual understanding.
‘We [first three wives] got along to a point where we’d wear matching clothes. That’s what I learnt in the Molala family, and that’s why I was able to do the same for Evelyn,’ Shirley told the BBC.
Evelyn, who rejoined the church after a period away, said Shirley’s kindness helped her accept polygamy and her new role within the family. ‘Over the last few months Shirley has become my confidante,’ she said.
Strict moral codes and dazzling displays
Festivities began at noon with a riot of colour and joyful noise. Church songs blasted from loudspeakers while well-wishers cheered for the arriving bridal parties, many dressed in vivid coordinated ensembles — lime green bridesmaids, Gucci-clad groomsmen, and polished church uniforms.
Before entering the auditorium, strict dress codes were enforced. No bare arms, tight dresses or trousers for women, and jackets were mandatory for men. Women were also required to cover their heads.
Inside, men and women sat separately in accordance with IPHC customs. Dating is forbidden; marriage is the only sanctioned romantic relationship.
‘I only learned about polygamy when I joined the church,’ said Lesiba Molala, now 67. ‘Rather than cheat, I decided it was better to marry again.’
A spiritual process for every spouse
The IPHC, one of the largest African independent churches with over 3 million members across southern Africa, celebrates mass weddings three times a year — during Easter, in September, and again in December.
Its teachings blend Christian doctrine with traditional African practices, including polygyny — where a man may marry multiple women. These unions, however, must also be registered with South Africa’s home affairs department to be legally recognised.
Senior church official Mpho Makwana told the BBC that the church sees polygamy as both scripturally justified and spiritually disciplined. ‘It has evolved with the church,’ he said.
The process of adding a wife takes months and involves three pre-nuptial ceremonies. Couples are strangers at first, with all matchmaking facilitated through church channels. HIV testing is mandatory, and both partners must disclose their results before the process can proceed.
‘You can’t go forward without complete transparency,’ Makwana said. ‘It’s helped reduce divorce and prevent surprises that break trust.’
A parade for ‘the comforter’
As the sun dipped, attention turned to the arrival of church leader Leonard Frederick G Modise, known as ‘the comforter’. A parade of luxury vehicles — including two Rolls Royces — accompanied by horsemen and a marching band heralded his entrance into the auditorium.
Once seated, the official programme began with each couple processing down a white-carpeted aisle. Though no vows were spoken aloud, rings were exchanged and blessings given.
The service stretched until 10pm and culminated in a benediction for the couples — including all sister wives — and a celebration that carried on late into the night.
A growing tradition with growing debate
While polygamy is legal in South Africa under customary law, it remains uncommon in mainstream Christian denominations. The IPHC, however, has normalised it over decades, integrating it into a unique religious culture.
‘Some see it as outdated, but the church has its own dispute-resolution structures and spiritual rules,’ said Prof Musa Xulu of South Africa’s Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission.
He noted that plural families were once hard-hit during the HIV/AIDS pandemic, prompting the church to implement new safety protocols. ‘It’s still a big issue, but measures are in place,’ he told the BBC.
New beginnings, old teachings
Among the newlyweds were Freddy Letsoalo, 35, and Rendani Maemu, 31 — both marrying for the first time. Their romance began as a fleeting glance at a friend’s wedding years ago, but they only connected formally in December 2024 through official church processes.
‘It was love at first sight, but we knew the rules of our church,’ said Letsoalo.
Rendani, glowing in a tiara and crystal-encrusted gown, said she had always expected to be a first or second wife. ‘I believe in polygamy,’ she said. ‘And I know one day my husband might want to take another wife. I’m ready for that.’