09/10/2026
THE MUNICIPALITY AND PASTORS FORUM HOLD PRAYER MEETING FOR PEACEFUL ELECTIONS AND AN END TO GBVF
As the country prepares for the upcoming Local Government Elections, the Department of Community Safety Services in the municipality, together with the CALM Pastors Forum, held a prayer meeting today at the Disaster Centre in Elukwatini. The meeting focused on praying for free, fair, and peaceful elections and addressing the ongoing scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Preaching from 1 Timothy 2:1–2, Pastor Mpendulo Khumalo reminded attendees of the biblical call to make petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for all people, including kings and those in authority. He emphasised the importance of praying for leaders so that people can live peaceful and quiet lives. He encouraged the gathering to pray for the upcoming elections to take place peacefully and without violence.
The prayer meeting also addressed several social challenges affecting communities. These included examinations and bullying in schools, crime, drug abuse, health and wellness, unemployment, poverty and road accidents. Participants prayed for guidance, protection and solutions to these challenges.
GBVF received particular attention during the prayers, with concerns raised about the abuse and killing of women and children while perpetrators continue to walk freely in communities. Attendees were urged to condemn GBVF, stand against abuse and protect vulnerable members of society.
MMC for Special Programmes in the Office of the Executive Mayor, Cllr Adams, appealed to men to take responsibility for protecting women and children. She also commended firefighters and emergency response personnel for their work in responding to distress calls and helping people in danger. She encouraged them to continue responding when women and other vulnerable people call for help.
The prayer meeting served as a call for collective responsibility, urging leaders, faith-based organisations and communities to work together towards peaceful elections, safer communities and an end to GBVF.