Authored by: Captain SA | SA Rainbow News | 02 Oct 2026

TEMBISA, KEMPTON PARK, GAUTENG — Faith-based organisations, community leaders, stakeholders and residents came together in Tembisa on Thursday, 1 October 2026, for a powerful Faith-Based Organisation Prayer Walk dedicated to prayer, unity and the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

The prayer walk began at the meeting point near the traffic lights at the Roman Catholic Church, where participants gathered at 10:00 before marching together to Mashimong Methodist Church, the main venue for the programme.

#GBVF #PrayerWalk

The gathering came at a deeply concerning time for South Africa, particularly Gauteng. Recent killings of women in Kempton Park and other parts of Ekurhuleni have heightened concerns about the safety of women and communities. Government reported that the number of women killed in various parts of Ekurhuleni had risen to 13, while investigations and arrests continued.

The situation has also contributed to growing fear among residents, with many people increasingly concerned about ordinary daily activities such as walking in their neighbourhoods, using public transport, visiting local shops and returning home safely. The Commission for Gender Equality has similarly highlighted concerns about women being unable to participate freely in everyday community life because of safety fears.

The prayer walk therefore served as more than a religious gathering. It became a community call for peace, protection, accountability, unity and a renewed commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

The programme opened with a prayer led by Rev. Mahobe of the Methodist Church, followed by messages from community and faith-based representatives. The programme was facilitated by MC Mrs. Merry Selepe.

#FaithInAction

Speakers and representatives included Mavis Mahlangu from Bophelong Drop Centre; Mrs. Makgoshi Sindane from the Methodist Church; Mrs. Phumla Mgidlana from the ANC Women’s League; Lindiwe Mguni from MMC; Kgafela Duke representing Ward 5 Council; Mr. Juke Maseko representing Tembisa stakeholders; and Pastor Cibi representing the faith-based organisation community.

SA Rainbow News provided media coverage of the gathering, documenting the community’s message of solidarity and its call for safer communities.

#Tembisa #CommunityUnited

The organisers emphasised that the fight against GBVF cannot be left to government and law-enforcement agencies alone. Families, churches, community organisations, traditional and community leaders, young people and residents all have a role to play in building communities where women and children can live without fear.

As South Africa continues to confront the devastating impact of GBVF, gatherings such as this prayer walk provide an opportunity for communities to stand together, remember those who have lost their lives and reaffirm the importance of protecting human dignity.

The message from Tembisa was clear: prayer, unity and community action must continue until women and all members of society can feel safe in their homes, streets and communities.

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