SEBOKENG.- Mass prayers were recently held around the Sedibeng area by the Emfuleni Local Municipality together with the members of the community. The impact and negative Influence of lack of employment, substance abuse, environmental issues and peer pressure were the main reasons behind the gathering. These challenges prompted the community of Sedibeng, particularly women, to organize themselves to conduct a mass prayer-meeting for the youth. After their interaction on a number of occasions, the group then extended an invitation to Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) as the closest government institution to the community. Following several meetings, the two parties (ELM and Sedibeng community) agreed on a formation of a partnership to advance the initiative. Other stakeholders, including, churches, Social Development, Correctional Services, SA Police Services, NGOs, Youth, GDE and labour movements, were invited to be part of the prayer-meeting. Joint mass prayer-meetings were hosted at different venues around Emfuleni. ELM spokesperson Klass Mofomme says that the prayersΓÇÖ main objective was to decrease teenage substance abuse, reduce crime and create awareness on parental care obligation. The main event was held at Mphatlalatsane Hall in Sebokeng.
Source:  Vaal Weekly
