Church leaders from various congregations in Strand held a special service to pray for peace during the upcoming elections on Wednesday 29 May.
The service was attended by various political organisations in the area and was held at the Nomzamo Community Hall on Saturday 27 April.
Bishop Siyabulela Mkentane, the service organiser and the leader of Anointing of God in Zion Apostolic Church in Asanda Village, described the service as part of healing the community.
Explaining how the concept came about, Mkentane said he heard a message from God telling him that he must organise a special prayer because something bad is going to happen during the elections if he does not host the prayer.
“I heard a message stating that something bad is going to happen (people will fight and kill each other) in these coming elections if I don’t hold this prayer. I shared the message with other congregants in the church and we decided to invite other church members and political organisations to be part of it,” explained Mkentane.
He stated that the service is about peace and unity. He said all they want is a free and fair election.
”It was the first time I received such a message and I believe it is not going to be the last. God conveys His message in different ways,” he said, adding that he wishes for people to stop killing each other.
Community member Nophelo Papiyana described the service as impactful. She stated that even though she was not impressed with the attendance, they felt the presence of God.
“I believe prayer will make a difference in our community. People will realise that opposition parties are not their enemies but their opponents. Let’s stop looking at opposition parties as enemies,” said Papiyana.
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso said the service will ease the fears that other people have about the elections.
“We heard in the news that there are organisations that are threatening to disrupt the elections if they are not in the ballot papers. And the communities are starting to panic, fearing for their lives.
“However, we are saying to the people no one will stop them from practising their right to vote,” he said, adding that whoever is threatening other people must face the rule of law.
He stated that there is no animosity among the political organisations in Lwandle.
Diniso urged people to go out in numbers to vote for the organisation that they believe can bring change in their lives.