A retired bishop, Samuel Molefe, has taken legal action against his former employer, the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa, claiming the church owes him severance pay, unpaid salaries, leave compensation, and a 13th cheque. Molefe, who served the AFM for over 30 years, alleges that despite his long tenure, the church failed to fulfill its financial obligations when he retired in 2017. His contract was extended until June 2023, when he officially handed over leadership to Apostle Lesego Molokoane, but the dispute over unpaid dues has only come to light now, after his departure.
The case is set to be heard by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) on 17 January 2025 in Mahikeng. However, the church has contested the CCMA’s jurisdiction, arguing that the dispute should not fall under the Commission’s purview. AFM also maintains that Bishop Molefe never raised any concerns about outstanding payments during his tenure or at the official handover of leadership, leading to questions about the timing and legitimacy of his claims.
As the story unfolds, reactions on social media have been divided. Some South Africans have voiced support for the retired bishop, feeling that he deserves the compensation he is claiming after years of dedicated service. Others, however, have humorously suggested that, as a man of faith, Bishop Molefe should have trusted God to settle his financial matters instead of pursuing a legal route. One social media user quipped, “He must ask God to pay him. After all, he was working for the Lord, not the church!”
This case raises larger questions about the financial management of religious institutions and the treatment of clergy. For many, being a bishop is not just a calling but also a profession that deserves fair compensation. Whether Bishop Molefe’s claims are justified or not, the outcome of this legal battle could have broader implications for how churches and their leaders handle financial agreements and disputes in the future.
