Compiled by Amike Viljoen
Source: Rachel Kalidass; Prayer & Repentence movement
Article originally published in the November issue of JOY! Magazine
On Friday 25 September, Christian leaders from various denominations gathered together for a time of prayer and repentance at Parliament. This was the first time an event like this has ever been hosted in our nation’s chambers, and it was truly something spectacular to be a part of! The purpose of the event – initiated by Awakening South Africa under the leadership of Rachel Kalidass – was to pray for peaceful upcoming local government elections. Various speakers poured out their hearts in total surrender to God.
A spiritual harvest
The JOY! and JUIG! team was privileged to be invited to join this event, and we travelled through with expectant hearts. As we arrived at the Nieuwmeester Dome, Parliament’s new chambers, the dome was filled with the Holy Spirit and the glory of God. It was incredible to witness. The Spirit flowed tangibly among the guests as the movements of a young prophetic dancer accompanied stirring music. The non-partisan gathering formed part of City Connect’s 50 days of prayer initiative, which has been running since 14 September, leading up to the election on 4 November. The event was timed to coincide with the start of the Biblical Feast of Tabernacles. The display of palm branches and harvest fruits were a lovely addition, where prayers of repentance and surrender were laid at the feet of God.
Repentance and unity
In the keynote address on repentance, Dr Fransi van Wyk of Perez Ministries led the gathering in confessing sins such as racism, apartheid laws, and wounds passed down through generations. She prayed for “not a unity that denies our differences, but a unity grounded in truth, justice, forgiveness, dignity, love, and mutual respect”. She also led prayers renouncing Freemasonry’s historical connection to the establishment of Parliament.
Our country – our responsibility
In a message read on his behalf, President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to 2 Chronicles 7:14 and highlighted poverty, unemployment, crime, corruption, and gender-based violence, as the country prepares to vote in the year the Constitution marks its 30th anniversary. He called for a partnership involving the whole of society.
A message from the speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, was read out at the event by Moloto Mothapo, Parliament’s spokesperson. In this message, she emphasised that, as a nation, we must equip ourselves to confront injustice, care for those who are suffering, and do whatever is within our power to set our country right. South Africa’s leaders were also encouraged to listen when citizens raise grievances and to be accountable to the people they serve.
Fight through prayer
Rev Rodney Whiteman, chairperson of the Western Cape Provincial Council of Churches, led prayers for Parliament and represented the South African Council of Churches. Pastor Marcus Norden of SACOFF prayed for the Independent Electoral Commission; Pastor Ryan Laubscher of the Full Gospel Church prayed for the elections; and Pastor Tristan Pretorius of 3C Family Churches prayed for unity among church denominations. The inspiring event concluded with Holy Communion, which we loved taking out of the Miracle Meal portable communion cups, led by Pastor Terence Phillips of Every Nation Church.
A day of surrender
This was not simply a day of prayer and intercession; it was an act of surrender to the One who can raise our nation from the dust and extend His hand over the local elections. “What we have confessed today must now be lived out in our streets. We ask every congregation to pray for its ward, town, or city, its council candidates, and the IEC – and then to become the answer to those prayers themselves,” concluded Rachel Kalidass.
Carrying prayer beyond Parliament
As I left Parliament, I kept thinking about how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by everything happening in our nation, and how necessary it is for us as Christians to keep bringing South Africa before the Lord. This gathering was a beautiful reminder that prayer is not a last resort, but one of the greatest responsibilities and privileges we have. My prayer is that what happened inside those chambers will not remain there, but will continue in our homes, churches, communities, and everyday lives. May we keep praying for our leaders, our towns, and our nation, and may we also be willing to live out the repentance, unity, courage, and faith that we ask God to bring to South Africa.
This article appears in the November 2026 issue of JOY! Magazine. Read the digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 28/10/2026
Feature image: Sourced from article originally published in the November issue of JOY! Magazine
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