The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) Wesley Guild Society held a candlelight prayer service on November 19 to unite the community in support of the G20 National Women’s Shutdown.

Congregants and residents, invited through social media, attended the candlelight service to take a stand against GBV.

According to Diepkloof Zone 2 Wesley Guild member Kgothatso Mabusa, the candlelight was a meaningful gesture of solidarity.

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“The church plays a huge pastoral and prophetic role in our community; it provides spiritual support and creates a safe space for healing.

“This is a way of saying enough is enough, and to advocate for the injustices that GBV victims and survivors face in our justice system,” Mabusa said.

Mabusa added that the service aimed to leave attendees with renewed strength and greater awareness of GBV’s impact within their communities.

“Everyone is affected by GBV, directly or indirectly. The G20 Women’s National Shutdown was a call for unity and urgency.

“We believe everyone has a role in ending violence, and it all starts now. By creating a visible, faith-rooted movement of solidarity, the church helps raise awareness and amplify the shutdown’s message so it has a lasting impact beyond a single day,” he said.

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The MCSA Diepkloof Zone 2 Society also operates a wellness and GBV desk that offers counselling, awareness programs, and support groups. The church actively works to challenge harmful cultural attitudes through teachings and community outreach.

“Our main focus is to promote healing, raise awareness, and strengthen our collective fight against GBV.

“The candlelight service represents hope, showing that even in darkness, unity and faith can spark change. We hope the service inspired both spiritual renewal and a committed effort to protect the vulnerable and restore our families,” Mabusa said.

During the service, church preacher Gilbert Khoza delivered a message of hope and healing for survivors, emphasizing protection for women and children, as well as repentance and transformation for perpetrators.