DELMAS – Unemployment, poor service delivery and the need for community unity were among the key issues raised during a Youth Day prayer rally held in Delmas at the Simon Gondwe Sports Centre on 16 June 2026.
The event, organised by the Service Delivery Party (SDP) ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, brought together residents, church leaders, youth groups, community activists and political supporters from across Mpumalanga.
Organisers said the gathering was aimed at promoting social cohesion while creating a platform for communities to reflect on challenges affecting residents.
Speaking to Highveld Chronicle, SDP National Convener Mandla Msibi said the prayer rally was organised in response to the social and economic difficulties facing communities.
“People are facing many challenges in this town. We have tried many things, and we felt that we now need divine intervention. We need God’s intervention in the many challenges our communities are facing,” said Msibi.
He said the party chose prayer as a way to bring people from different backgrounds together.
“We wanted a different and unifying way of bringing people together. Had we organised a jazz festival or a similar event, we would not have attracted the diversity of people we saw here today. We wanted pastors, young people and community members from all walks of life to come together,” he said.
Pastors from various churches led prayers focusing on youth unemployment, substance abuse, crime, teenage pregnancy, poor service delivery and the need for stronger family and community values.
Special prayers were also offered for peace, unity and development in Delmas and the broader Victor Khanye Local Municipality.
During the programme, SDP leaders requested prayers as the organisation prepares for the upcoming Local Government Elections. Church leaders and congregants prayed for wisdom, integrity and guidance.
SDP founder and National Coordinator Thabo Motau identified unemployment as one of the biggest challenges facing Delmas, Mpumalanga and South Africa.
“The most pressing challenge in Delmas, in Mpumalanga and in South Africa, is unemployment,” said Motau.
He said the party had engaged residents from different communities and political backgrounds to gather ideas on addressing local challenges.
“I have spent time engaging young people, ordinary residents and people from different political parties because we want to hear directly from the community about how we address the challenges facing Victor Khanye,” he said.
Motau said reviving local manufacturing and strengthening the township economy could help create employment opportunities.
“There is no logical explanation why school uniforms cannot be manufactured locally when we have mothers who can sew and young people who possess those skills. The products we consume here are often manufactured elsewhere, creating jobs and opportunities outside our community,” he said.
The event also featured cultural performances commemorating the legacy of the 1976 youth uprising. Youth groups, church choirs and community performers entertained attendees, including a Sarafina-inspired performance.
Speaking on behalf of local youth, Precious Mahlangu said the gathering gave young people hope and encouraged discussions about solutions to challenges affecting their future.
“As young people, we are confronted by many challenges, including unemployment, substance abuse and a lack of opportunities. What we witnessed today gave us hope because it showed that people from different backgrounds can come together and work towards a common purpose,” she said.
Representing local churches, Pastor Kevin Mahlangu described the event as a demonstration of faith and unity.
Quoting John 3:27, he said: “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. What we experienced today was surely the work of the Lord. The support, the turnout and the smooth running of the programme were all evidence of God’s hand.” Motau also addressed concerns around businesses operated by undocumented foreign nationals, saying municipal by-laws should be enforced fairly and consistently.
“Our position is that municipal by-laws must be implemented lawfully and without favour. People have a right to raise concerns, but they must do so in an orderly manner. We cannot allow illegality simply because people are unhappy,” he said.
Organisers said the Youth Day Prayer Rally marked the beginning of a broader programme of ward-based engagements focused on youth development, economic empowerment and service delivery.
The party said the engagements would provide residents with opportunities to discuss local challenges and contribute ideas aimed at improving service delivery, creating jobs and strengthening community development in Victor Khanye Local Municipality.
