THERE was jubilation and excitement outside the North Gauteng High Court on Monday, 24 July.
This after the succession battle between three brothers from the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) was brought to a halt.
Members of the church's Jerusalem faction, under the leadership of Michael Sandlana, danced and celebrated after the court ruled in their favour.
Since 2016, after the death of church leader Bishop Glayton Modise who inherited the leadership from his late father Samuel Modise, the battle of succession has been ongoing between the brothers, Michael Sandlana, Leonard Modise and Tshepiso Modise.
According to the court, Leonard who had summoned Tshepiso and Sandlana to court, withdrew the matter which was later dismissed with costs.
Advocate Portia Phahlane, Leonard would pay the costs for the courts as he didn't follow the correct procedures when withdrawing the case.
"I hope there will be peace and love among members of the church. The journey ends here," she said.
Jerusalem congregation spokesman, Priest Vusi Ndala, said this was a victory they had been looking for all these years.
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"The two contenders of the church for leadership was Tshepiso and Leonard. They have unequivocal permanently withdrew their contestation for leadership battle," he said.
He said it was up to the church to say who their leader would be as the two had abandoned their contestation.
"We will pronounce who our leader is probably this week. To our members, please come back home," he said.
Ndala said there were traditions and customs at the church that should be followed by any member at least to be qualified as comforter of the church, outright Leonard and Tshepiso have not performed those traditions and customs to be qualified as leaders of the church. He said the constitution of the church states that the leader of the church shall anoint his successor, spiritually.
"We have recognised Sandlana as the successor because we have noticed spirituality in him," he said.
"However, we welcome Leonard, Tshepiso and other members to the church," he said.
Ndala said that they would follow the court order regarding the costs to be paid.
The IPHC Jerusalem's counsel was Advocate Hilton Epstein SC. Attorney Jeffery Selala of KJ Selala Attorney, representing Leonard, said: "I'm happy that the matter has come to an end."
Advocate Simon Mangolele, representing Tshepiso, said: "It's something we were seeking and is granted. It's not a matter of surprise or what, all parties are satisfied."
Every year the church hosts mass weddings. In April 2023, more than 400 couples said "I do".
