Locals march, pray for Westenburg

Members of the Westenburg community took to the streets armed with prayers and banners during the Walk for Jesus campaign, organised by the Westenburg-based Sisters for Life prayer group, on Saturday.
Approximately 50 residents and 30 learners, joined by Hafiz Shaikh, African National Congress (ANC) Ward 19 Councillor, Moshala Shadung, South African National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence Social Worker, Maimele Pilusa, South African Police Service Westenburg Station Commander, and guest speakers Terry Whitehead, Martha Chuene and Lebo Chipape assembled at Good Hope Primary School prior to the start of the race.
Tina Mandelkorn, Sisters for Life Chairperson, was overwhelmed by the response of the public. She further explained that the members partaking in the march stopped at each of the nine street corners along the route to pray before moving on.
Shaikh said he felt privileged to be able join the march in support of the community‘s effort against social illnesses.
He expressed his hope that more similar initiatives from the community will come about.
“I am very proud of the community for hosting an event such as this as they are the mothers who have to deal with these kind of problems on a daily basis,” he concluded.
Pilusa called on the public to be the ears and the eyes of the Police in order to help eradicate the presence of drugs and other social illnesses in their community.

Story, photos & video: THINUS DU TOIT
>>thinus@observer.co.za