Residents, church leaders and congregants from New Rest in Gugulethu gathered for a four-hour prayer session on Heritage Day, Tuesday September 24.

They prayed for an end to social ills such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence (GBV) and the high rates of crime and unemployment.

Organiser Nwabisa Zama said it was difficult for the community of New Rest to celebrate Heritage Day while they have to deal with these issues.

“This is to pray away social ills faced by our community. We have cars that hijack us, drugs, unemployment and house burglaries. We call this prayer with the hope that there will be change.”

She believes crime would decline if the government provides more resources to young people of the area as many had matriculated but were sitting at home with nothing to do.

“The government should at least provide learnerships for them. It should also provide much needed resources so that people can have something to do. Create jobs for people,” she said.

Area committee chairperson Zandisile Mjo said crime is out of hand in the area and as a community they are losing the fight against it. “This is our last resort. We are here to pray for the restoration of hope to those who are suffering from life’s challenges. We are facing a big challenge hence the day of prayer,” said Mr Mjo.

Local councillor Bongani Ngcombolo commended the work by the community and church leaders for taking the lead in the fight against crime.

“They are not complaining about the police or councillor, all they need to do is get rid of crime in their area. I am aware of their challenges and we have worked together to solve them. The good thing was that Gugulethu police have done well in this area. I am excited to see them taking this initiative instead of sitting in corners pointing fingers,” said Mr Ngcombolo.

A community member who asked not to be named for fear of harassment said that the prayer meant a lot to the community because they had many youth who have lost hope because of unemployment.

“Our area has become something that I can not even begin to describe. Young people have turned into animals. They have resorted to drugs and substance abuse. No one is safe here also because of the rented houses. There are a lot of strangers that are renting out here and some are good while most are bad,” she said.

Community members took their time off for Heritage Day to pray in New Rest.

The church and community came out in numbers to pray with residents of New Rest in Gugulethu.

Prayer organiser Nwabisa Zama calls for resources in the area of New Rest.

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