Pienaarsrivier and Bela-Bela prayers for women and children

Women in Bela-Bela and Pienaarsrivier set aside prayer sessions against the escalating rate of abuse against women and children countrywide.

In Bela-Bela, the session took place on Friday 6 September at the local community hall, with both women and men responding in numbers to pray for women and children, against incidents of
kidnapping, rape and murder.

Lerato Napo, Mina Kale and Boitumelo Modau organized the event.

Motivational speakers from different persuasions addressed the women, and the Antioch River Church leader, Pastor Dimakatso Jane Thema, led prayers by candlelight.

Sheila Khoele explained that the event started as a WhatsApp chat, and spread rapidly as many young women showed interest.

“We know praying will not bring back the victims, but it will help their families heal and help other women and children out there,” she said.

Meanwhile in Pienaarsriver, a women’s prayer sessions was held at the local community centre on Thursday 5 September.

Church leaders spearheaded a procession through the streets of Pienaarsriver, singing and holding candles.

On arrival at the venue, an emotional prayer session began.

Members of the local Community Policing Forum and the police supported the event and ensured safety for all the people who attended.

Nelly Mkhondo, Thandeka Morudu, Smakaleng Ngwana and Evah Maluleka organized the prayer session in Pienaarsrivier.

— The BEAT