By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) hosted its annual Easter mass wedding, with nearly 60 couples exchanging vows.
The ceremony included both first-time marriages and polygamous unions, forming part of a 63-year tradition within the church.
The church holds mass weddings three times a year, on Easter Sunday, on the first Sunday of September which marks the church’s New Year and during the Christmas weekend in December.
The ceremonies represent the church’s spiritual life and cultural heritage.
Led by His Grace Comforter F.L.G. Modise, the ceremony brought together people from different backgrounds who share a common belief in the church’s teachings.
Couples says the public declaration of love and faith in front of thousands strengthens their bond and reminds them of their responsibilities as husbands and wives. Some describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings families closer together.
The IPHC headquarters, known as the Silo, is located in Zuurbekom, a small town on the West Rand west of Johannesburg. This site serves as the central place for major church events and has hosted many mass weddings over the years.
The church is one of the prominent African-initiated Pentecostal denominations in South Africa. It blends strong Pentecostal beliefs with local traditions, making its services welcoming and meaningful to many South Africans.
Meanwhile the corruption case against IPHC church leader, Michael Sandlana, has been postponed pending further investigations
Sandlana is accused of paying R2.4 million in kickbacks to Judge Phahlane to influence the court case over the church’s succession battle.
The court found that the 64-year-old failed to satisfy the court that the interests of justice permitted his release on bail. The matter has been postponed to 23 July 2026.