Saints and style: Malusi Gigaba and his fiancée make a statement at IPHC Church

The Citizen

22-04-2025

From the political podium to the pews of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Malusi Gigaba and his fiancée are serving faith-filled fashion moments that are nothing short of iconic.
The power couple radiated devotion, designer flair, and a deep spiritual connection with the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) as they attended this year's mass wedding in style.
A divine walk in style and spirit
Malusi Gigaba, once a dominant figure in South Africa's political theatre and currently a member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC, is now turning heads for an entirely different reason.
Known as the 'Minister of Drip' due to his fashionable attire, he maintained this fashion title alongside his graceful partner, fiancée Nomfundo Fakudze.
Steeped in Tradition
The couple attended the mass wedding ceremony, where more than 3 000 couples tied the knot during the Easter weekend.
Some of the traditions around the ceremony allow women to propose to men, while men can marry up to five wives.
Couples are given two years to prepare for the ceremony, the man must find a place to live for his future family, and the property should be listed in both spouses' names.
Couples' counselling is mandatory before the wedding and has also been embraced by previously married church members, contributing to low divorce rates thanks to ongoing marital support.
Picture: Nigel Sibanda
The former Home Affairs Minister has found spiritual refuge this weekend at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), a church as rich in history as it is in tradition.
But what caught the public eye isn't just their devotion — it's their unapologetically stylish presence at the mass wedding service.
Fashion-forward and spiritually grounded, the couple is redefining what it means to dress for church in 2025.
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Inside the IPHC: Tradition, authority, and worship
Picture: Nigel Sibanda
Founded in 1912 by the late Comforter Frederick Samuel Modise, the IPHC is one of the largest and most structured religious movements in South Africa, boasting over three million members.
Silo, Zuurbekom, near Westonaria in Gauteng, South Africa, the church is known for its grand pilgrimages, strict doctrine, and an unshakeable sense of order and unity.
Every year during the Easter weekend, millions of congregants dressed in coordinated wedding outfits flood into Kanana, regarded as a spiritual dome, to take their mass vows and get married, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in Africa.
It's this spirit of discipline and presentation that Gigaba and his partner have embraced, with their unique flair.
Modern Royalty in Monochrome
Picture: Instagram
The pair consistently draws attention with their elegant interpretation of the church's modest dress code.
The IPHC typically encourages white garments, symbolising purity and unity, with men and women in structured, often uniform attire.
Gigaba, a seasoned style icon, stays true to IPHC sensibilities while incorporating modern tailoring.
Think crisp white mandarin-collar shirts, high-waisted pleated trousers, and clean-cut suit jackets that respect the church's dress culture while still nodding to continental fashion trends.
Nomfundo elevates the uniform concept with subtle glamour, pleated midi skirts, embroidered shawls, and headwraps styled in regal symmetry, echoing African queen energy with every appearance.
She favours a palette of white and soft neutrals and blue, often accessorised with pearl drop earrings and lace-detailed gloves, balancing tradition with a polished, editorial edge. While Malusi compliments her in a navy suit, peach tie, and light pocket square.
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When uniforms become statements
IPHC fashion is dress code symbolic.
Uniforms distinguish rank and gender, with the women of the church donning red hats, long skirts, and blouses that reflect humility and order.
Men wear suits or traditional white shirts paired with dark or light trousers.
Within this framework, the Gigabas have found a way to honour the church's longstanding customs while infusing subtle elements of couture.
'They walk in like they know the assignment,' said one congregant on social media. 'It's not loud or flashy, powerful and intentional.'
And it is.
Their fashion choices not only align with church protocol but also send a message: reverence doesn't mean you can't be radiant.
Faith, order, and personal reinvention
Picture: Nigel Sibanda
While the IPHC has had its share of controversies in recent years, most notably the ongoing leadership disputes following the death of Glayton Modise, it remains a cornerstone of faith and identity for millions.
Their move toward visible faith and structure signals a shift from public spectacle to inner restoration, without losing the glamour that once defined them.
Fashion that preaches
Picture: Instagram
Ultimately, Malusi Gigaba and Nomfundo serve as a reminder to netizens that one can remain rooted in tradition while effortlessly evolving in style.