The Emalahleni Local Municipality held a special Women’s Month prayer event on Wednesday at the Emalahleni Civic Theatre.

Held on August 6, the gathering was led by the Speaker of the Council, Councillor Nombuso Shabangu, and brought together people from different churches, traditional leaders, and members of the local community.

The event aimed to promote peace, unity, and respect, and to fight Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, especially in light of recent incidents of violence in the area.

“Our churches must preach peace. Our pastors must preach dignity. United in prayer, we will overcome,” said the Mayor, Clr Vusi Nhlapho.

Nhlapho addressed the audience and spoke about two recent incidents where people lost their lives due to violence. He called on the community to stand together and take action to prevent such tragedies.

He closed off his speech by quoting the book of Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless; plead the widow’s cause.”

The prayer meeting was attended by representatives from various local churches, traditional authorities, and church leaders.

The South African Police Service, the Emalahleni Taxi Association, and local biker groups also joined the event and delivered messages of support.

“My superiors, Brigadier Lindani Ndlovu and Brigadier Moses Bolton, who sent me here, told me that I should not fear to say to our community that we are running out of strength. We are failing. But we have to work together,” said a representative from the SAPS.

Each group spoke about the importance of working together to protect and create safer communities. Their presence showed that the fight against GBV is not just a government issue, but a shared responsibility.

Shabangu made a plea to men, asking them to be more patient and caring toward their wives and partners.

The community came together to pray for healing and change. Candles were lit and prayers were offered.

The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services in South Africa, Leonah Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, was also in attendance.

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