Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship (MMF) secretary and spokesperson, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele confirmed the interdenominational fraternal of members of the fivefold ministries will host a special prayer service in response to escalating anti-immigrant sentiment and economic uncertainty across the country on Friday evening, 12 June 2026 from 6:00-8:30 pm.
The gathering taking place at the Bodiredi Salvation Centre located at Mocoseng Sundown Resort outside Mahikeng aims to combat rising xenophobic tensions and seek divine intervention for the struggling local economy amid growing nationwide anti-immigrant sentiment.
Dubbed the “Watchmen of the City of Goodwill Prayer Service,” the event will serve as a platform for local faith leaders to intercede for South Africa’s socio-economic recovery and to pray for peace.
The initiative comes at a critical juncture for the nation. Recent weeks have seen a surge in protests and anti-foreigner rhetoric, with some groups issuing ultimatums for undocumented immigrants to leave the country.
“The focus of the prayer service convened by the interdenominational fraternal of members of the fivefold ministries will also pray for youth as well as against crime, drugs including gender-based violence and femicide,” said Kgwele.
“The service is a precursor to a prayer march for peaceful co-existence by local churches and congregations to be held in the provincial capital on Saturday 20 June 2026,” MMF Chairperson, Senior Pastor Dr Moss Tlalang said.
Tlalang highlighted the severe threat these disruptions pose to economic stability, particularly at a time when the country is working toward recovery. He warned that violent protests and civil unrest risk driving away crucial foreign investments.
Furthermore, these actions threaten to derail regional integration efforts, specifically the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Launched to unlock markets and promote economic cooperation across Africa, the AfCFTA represents a cornerstone for continental growth.
“Afrophobia should not be advanced to destroy Pan Africanism, International Solidarity as well as the unity of the body of Christ which transcends borders and nationalities,” he stressed.
Corruption syndicates issuing fraudulent documents to undocumented foreign nationals are a severe threat to national security, according to Tlalang.
This issue has become a pressing concern for authorities managing illegal immigration. The illegal entry of foreign nationals coupled with internal document fraud continues to present major challenges.
Tlalang emphasized that alongside this threat, there is a critical need to consistently implement the country’s existing legal frameworks regarding immigration.
Furthermore, Tlalang warned against using anti-immigrant sentiment for populist rhetoric, urging people to unite against criminality through compassion and legal action rather than turning to xenophobia.
“They together with those eager to fan fires of self-hate through populist rhetoric represent what all of us must unite against and defeat through love, compassion and united action,” he said.
