EMALAHLENI – Community members, church leaders, faith-based organisations and representatives from different denominations gathered at Lynville Park on Wednesday, 7 October, for the third annual eMalahleni Prayer, calling for unity, healing and transformation across the city.

Coordinated by the eMalahleni Prayer Coordinators through the Kakarambha Foundation, the gathering focused on challenges affecting families and communities, including substance abuse, gender-based violence, crime, education and examinations, as well as the upcoming local government elections.

The gathering was guided by 2 Chronicles 7:14, which calls on people to humble themselves, pray, seek God and turn away from harmful ways.

Speaking at the event, eMalahleni Local Municipality Speaker Millicent Shabangu encouraged residents to remain steadfast in their faith when facing difficult circumstances.

“Even if you are going through a difficult situation, God has good plans for you. Put your trust in God and stay firm on your knees; He will eventually answer us, because God takes His time to answer,” Shabangu said.

She also urged residents to support families affected by substance abuse through prayer rather than gossip.

“Regarding our children who are getting involved in drugs, let us pray for them and pray for our neighbours. It shouldn’t be that because it isn’t happening in your home, you become the one who gossips about the neighbour’s situation; instead, you should be the one praying for them,” she said.

Substance abuse was a key concern raised during the gathering, particularly its impact on young people, families and the wider community.

Thando Masango of the Kakarambha Foundation urged residents to show compassion towards people struggling with drug use and support those trying to change their lives.

“Let’s pray for drug users to change and support them when they’re trying to change, and not discriminate against them,” Masango said.

Organisers called for continued cooperation among churches, faith-based organisations, community structures and residents, stressing that meaningful transformation requires a united community.

The prayer served as a reminder that addressing eMalahleni’s challenges requires collective action, rather than leaving individual households, churches or organisations to respond alone.

For those who attended, the gathering was an opportunity to pray for change and a call to become part of the change they hope to see in the city.

“Together in prayer, we can see our city transformed.”