The Carletonville District Hospital recently hosted a special prayer and awareness event to address gender-based violence (GBV) and other pressing social problems affecting the Merafong community.

According to the hospital’s communication officer, Matabo Letsoalo, the hospital partnered with various government departments and community groups to hold a healing walk and prayer service on October 30.

“Our prayers for healing the land, its patients, staff, and the community of Merafong City Local Municipality brought about fresh air and open minds in the fight against evil,” said Letsoalo.

The event, supported by local businesses and the Carletonville United Taxi Association (CUTA), drew several community stakeholders who gathered to reflect and take a stand against GBV, teenage pregnancy, and crime.

In his opening remarks, the hospital’s CEO, Josias Naidoo, highlighted the critical role of the health sector in confronting social challenges.

“When there are infections, teenage pregnancies, or any other crisis, we see it here. Society’s pain comes through our doors. That’s why we can no longer keep quiet,” Naidoo said.
“We called upon priests, taxi industry leaders, traditional healers, government departments, and community organisations to stand united against gender-based violence, killings, kidnappings, and other evils. United we stand.”

Naidoo emphasised that this gathering marked the beginning of a long-term partnership against social ills in Merafong.

Echoing his sentiments, the chairperson of the hospital board, Lesego Segwe, stressed the need for divine intervention, noting that faith and unity are vital in addressing the country’s moral and social crises.

The hospital’s Events Committee Chairperson, Lama Peega, who also serves as Operational Manager of the Male Surgical Ward, said the event was inspired by worrying statistics.

“When we compared our violent crime statistics with those of other district hospitals, we were alarmed. We top the list in assault cases, stab wounds, and gunshot injuries. This is unhealthy and thought-provoking,” she said.
“We needed society to intervene. This service also served as a debriefing for health workers who silently carry emotional pain from what they witness daily.”

Several speakers, including social workers from the Department of Social Development—Steve Ringane, Zandile Mthimkhulu, and Kehumile Taunyane—addressed issues such as child neglect, trafficking, and the role of social workers in court proceedings.

Gloria Nhlapo, Operational Manager at Clinical Forensic Medical Services, provided insight into the daily realities faced by victims of GBV, underscoring the need for stronger community support and cooperation.

The event concluded with a series of prayers led by pastors and stakeholders for healing, unity, and protection against violence.

Organisations such as the Social Development Team, Crisis Centre, Faith-Based Organisations, Khutsong Joint Churches, Merafong Ministers Forum, Traditional Health Practitioners Organisation, and Ma-Ladies Society all pledged to work closely with the SAPS in Merafong to help combat crime.

Sergeant Thabo Mathebula of Carletonville Social Crime Prevention welcomed the initiative, saying the police look forward to future collaborations with the hospital and the community to strengthen crime prevention strategies in the area.