Middelburg residents in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality demonstrated peace, partnership, and unity on election day, November 4, winning praise from the Newtown Pastors Forum.

The faith-based organisation previously hosted a special interfaith prayer session at the Newtown Sports Ground on October 18, bringing together community members, church leaders, and political figures to promote community healing and peaceful coexistence.

Throughout that session, leaders from various denominations led prayers focusing on national unity, social cohesion, ongoing Grade 12 examinations, and wisdom for local leadership.

Faith leaders urge unity

Forum secretary Piet Mamisadi highlighted the vital role of the faith community in maintaining stability when campaigns strain local relationships.

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He said that pastors believe that healing the land requires working together.

“We are calling on everyone to join hands with us, pray with us, and ensure that we walk this path united with one accord.”

Mamisadi said it was a good thing that invitations were sent to all parties two months before the prayer event to encourage joint participation.

“We wanted peace in our communities because when there is peace there is good governance. We need to support our leaders so that they can govern our communities with dignity.”

Forum calls for patience as results loom

Following the smooth polling process, Mamisadi emphasised that the forum wants to see this spirit of harmony continue until the official election results have been declared.

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The pastors’ calls for patience come as the country awaits the official declaration from the IEC.

Speaking during a media briefing at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the commission expects to declare the final results of the 2026 Local Government Elections over the weekend.