Women and community stakeholders in Zamdela, Sasolburg, are turning to prayer and collective action as concerns over the continued scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) intensify across the community and South Africa.
Led by Mrs Sedibeng 1st Runnerup 2025, Matshepo Kompe, various organisations will host a Candlelight and Prayer Service in Zamdela on 24 September 2026, calling on residents to unite against violence, particularly violence targeting women and children.
Kompe said the recent discovery of women who were killed in Kempton Park, Gauteng, and some related cases in other areas has highlighted the need for a different and more collective approach to tackling GBV.
She said women have repeatedly raised awareness and demanded action, but men must now play a stronger role in confronting violence within their own communities.
“It was last year, almost at the same period in November, when women in Zamdela gathered to join the call for a National Women Shutdown to end GBV. But here we are today, heartbroken and living in fear. We can’t allow this to become normal,” said Kompe.
“I believe as women, we have done enough to fight and raise awareness about GBV. It is time to allow men to speak amongst themselves about this matter,” she added.
Kompe said the upcoming service will also provide an opportunity for residents to seek spiritual strength and divine intervention in the fight against GBV.
“We will also be calling for divine intervention, asking for God’s deliverance.
Most of us are Christians, and in times like these, we call on the heavens for answers. We can’t wait to become victims ourselves. We need to fight this scourge before it reaches closer to our families, friends and loved ones,” she said.
The organisers are calling on residents, community leaders, organisations and men and women of faith to attend the service and stand together against GBV
