SOWETAN NEWS

Succession battle hots up after leader's 

death at 'Modise church'

By Sibongile Mashaba | Mar 02, 2016 | 

The battle for the soul of one of South Africa's biggest churches is brewing.

CAPTION: Daughter Sibitse Modise, Ntate's wife Mapoloko and Ntate's sister Jacqueline Modise International Pentecost Holiness Church members celebrate life of comforter Glayton Modise was laid to rest on Friday. Picture credit: Veli Nhlapo

Sowetan has been reliably informed that International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) members are divided over who should take over the throne following the death of church leader Glayton Modise on February 9.

Modise, known to congregants as "Comforter" and "His Grace", died at Mediclinic Morningside, Johannesburg, following a short illness.

Sources in the church have accused Modise's son Tshepiso of pushing for his anointment as church leader with the support of others. They said the majority of congregants did not want Tshepiso to rule and said that Modise has another son who has been sidelined by Tshepiso and his mother Mmapoloko.

"Firstly, Tshepo [as Tshepiso is also known] is an anti-polygamist. Our church openly practices polygamy. So, tell me, how will he lead the church," asked one source.

Church spokesman Oupa Mosalakae has failed to respond to requests for comment since last Thursday.

Yesterday, he told Sowetan that he was no longer spokesman and did not know who had taken over.

Mosalakae was under fire for telling the commission investigating the commercialisation of religion that polygamy was not church policy. The church solemnises hundreds of polygamous marriages every year. Victor Mashele, who acts on behalf of Tshepiso Modise, said he was away and was not in a position to advise who Sowetan could speak to. Another member who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation said they were not in a position to accept Tshepiso as their leader.

"There have been several meetings since Ntate (Modise) was laid to rest (on February 12) and I can assure you that it's going to be a long battle. We just don't want Tshepiso to lead the church; he is not fit to do so," said the source.

Another member said Modise's eldest son should take over.

"We all know that this is a family church. Michael (eldest son) should take over. He has been sidelined by Mmapoloko. We know that he exists and would lead the church in the right direction," said the member.

Sources said there were meetings at the weekend and police were called in to prevent people from going in.

"We have made ourselves clear, we don't want Tshepiso to be our leader and will not back down. He is paying people in the church to support him and threatens those who do not want him," said a source.

The sources all confirmed that Mmapoloko did not attend Modise's wedding to Mmamohau in 2012.

"She tried to stop the wedding but failed. She is against polygamous marriages," said one source.

SOURCE: Sowetan