The public safety department held a special prayer service at the Anglican Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin On Thursday, March 31, to pray for officials deployed during the looming Easter period.

The special service was designed to ask for blessings and protection for public safety officials who will be working on the roads ahead of the upcoming holiday season.

Among people who attended the prayer service were the MMC of Public Safety, Cllr David Tembe, the Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, and Joburg’s former Mayor, Herman Mashaba, including senior public safety management and leadership.

Seelan Govender, Acting Chief Chaplain of Public Safety, officiated the ceremony, flanked by the JMPD Choir.

Various religious leaders were among the guests who showed the solidarity of faith with the City’s public safety department. The interfaith prayer was led by Moulana Moeneeb Martin from Islam; from the Hindu religion, Pandit Bikash Mishra was represented; and from the Jewish faith, it was Rabbi Ari Kievman.

The Reverend Xolani Dlwati’s words of faith and encouragement to public safety officials to trust in the Lord and always do good were “put on the armour of God.”
Candles were lit in remembrance of all the public safety officials who passed on during the year due to Covid-19 complications.
MMC Tembe said the City had a huge role to play in bringing law and order to downtown Joburg and that with prayer they could conquer.
“As we send you through the City’s dangerous streets, we send you to save lives,” Cllr Tembe told congregants dressed in public safety uniform.

Mayor Phalatse took to the podium to acknowledge the demanding work the men and women in uniform do to restore law and order in Johannesburg.
“You know better than us. You and I said yes to the call to rebuild the City and bring law and order,” she added.

“I’m well aware of the danger you face each day, and today we appreciate and admire that,” said Cllr Phalatse.
The Mayor said the JMPD’s visibility on Joburg’s streets had a positive impact, with members of the public giving a nod of approval.
“We are receiving good reports from Joburg residents. The streets look clean under the multi-party administration. We are trying to restore confidence that Johannesburg can return to its former glory,” said Cllr Phalatse.
The Reverend Dlwati closed the ceremony with a prayer for the country and the continent of Africa.

Written by Dakalo Ramudidibi
31/03/2022