National Prayer Gathering in Alice calls for God’s intervention in social challenges

By Thembisa Mjiba

ALICE – Clergy from different denominations gathered in Alice during Women’s Month for a national prayer gathering focused on the social challenges facing communities and the country.

The Alice Ministers’ Fraternal, a fellowship of clergy from different denominations chaired by Reverend Mzimkhulu Grirhana, led the gathering. The prayer service was held at the Alice Town Hall on Sunday, 30 August.

Speakers at the gathering repeatedly called on the community to turn to God for guidance and solutions to the challenges facing South Africa.

The clergy said God should remain central in society, arguing that people had increasingly removed Him from institutions and spaces such as Parliament, schools, churches, workplaces and homes.

“God is the answer for a broken nation. People have removed Him from many places such as Parliament, schools, churches, workplaces, and homes, forgetting that He is the solution to all things as the Creator,” the speakers said.

Councillor Nathi Ngcume of Alice echoed the call for political leaders to seek God’s guidance, saying political leadership alone would not guarantee progress.

“Political leaders may be elected daily, but without God among them, things will not prosper,” said Ngcume.

Ngcume also highlighted social challenges affecting the community, including violence against women. He referred to a case involving a woman who had allegedly been raped and called on the clergy to continue praying for Alice and its leaders.

He also highlighted the historical involvement of clergy in South Africa’s political development, saying politics were initiated by clergy in 1910.

Reverend Nyoni encouraged ministers to approach events and challenges from a broader perspective while allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them. He urged them to focus on uplifting the greatness of God rather than relying solely on their own understanding.

As chairperson of the Alice Ministers’ Fraternal, Reverend Grirhana welcomed attendees to the prayer service and acknowledged the contribution of women in the community. He encouraged church women to continue carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them by God.

Reverend Mlotana explained that the gathering was also intended to strengthen unity among clergy from different denominations and collectively seek divine intervention in the challenges facing communities.

The issues raised during the gathering included:

• Peace and safety ahead of the municipal elections
• Crime
• Unemployment
• Drug abuse
• Child abuse and homelessness

Different individuals were assigned to lead prayers for the various challenges, including Mama Miti, Reverend Mpande, Mama Mabutho, Mama Manentsa, Reverend Ngumbela and Reverend Tonisi.

The gathering also reflected on the role of women in South Africa’s history. In his closing remarks, Reverend Mkhiva thanked the congregation and highlighted the contribution of women during the 1956 Women’s March and the broader liberation struggle.

Mkhiva condemned violence and abuse against women, saying women deserved respect for their role in nurturing communities and the nation.

The event was attended by adults and young people from the community and concluded with a prayer led by Apostle Ngumbela.