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The leadership succession dispute (since 2016)

Following the death of Bishop Glayton Modise on 9 February 2016, the International Pentecost Holiness Church became divided by a protracted dispute over who should succeed him as the church's "Comforter" and control its headquarters at Silo, Zuurbekom, and its assets. The matter has involved rival factions, court action, the intervention of a state commission, and incidents of deadly violence.

Rival claimants and factions

The principal figures in the dispute have been Glayton Modise's two sons, Leonard Modise and Tshepiso Modise, and Michael Sandlana, who has been described in reporting as a son of the late leader born out of wedlock and who was recognised as leader by a section of the congregation through a ceremony said to follow church custom. Reporting has described the church as splitting into factions, including one associated with Leonard Modise operating from Silo in Zuurbekom, one associated with Tshepiso Modise, and one associated with Michael Sandlana. The CRL Rights Commission, which investigated the conflict, found that multiple groups within the church were contesting control of its assets and identified the lack of a clear succession plan as a key driver of the conflict.

Violence and court proceedings

The dispute has at times turned violent. On 11 July 2020, five people died when members of rival factions clashed at the church; police subsequently made numerous arrests and seized firearms. The control of the Zuurbekom headquarters has been litigated in the Pretoria High Court. In July 2023, the Modise brothers, who had earlier been rivals, reconciled and jointly withdrew their succession case from court; a faction aligned with Michael Sandlana then claimed leadership. The dispute has also reportedly affected affiliated congregations beyond South Africa, including in Botswana. As of the most recent reliable reporting, the leadership question had not been conclusively and uncontestedly resolved.

Described factually and respectfully from documented sources. Corrections welcome.

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