THE Crown Gospel Awards will be held on Sunday, 26 November and members of various faith-based groups joined some gospel heavyweights to add their voices to the condemnation of gender-based violence, femicide, drugs, crime and other social ills.
Dressed in their respective regalia, hundreds of denominations filled the Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto on Saturday, 18 November. They also embarked on a 4km ayihlome prayer walk.
After the prayer walk, they gathered in the church, where they sang in unison calling for the end of what's been termed South Africa's second pandemic.
Outside the church, the Department of Health erected stalls to service the community before and after the prayer walk. People had a chance to get their health checked free of charge.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Zanele Mbokazi, executive producer of the annual Crown Gospel Music Awards, said: “We were all united in prayer, prayer against all social ills because we believe worship is a powerful weapon. As gospel musicians, we believe that our rightful place is in prayer and leading society by taking charge. We are the glue that holds our society together.”
Mbokazi thanked Gauteng MEC of Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehloko for leading the walk. “We appreciate the efforts and contributions she has made in making sure this march is a success,” said Mbokazi.
ALSO READ | WATCH: Angry mfundisi lashes Ukhozi FM
Nkomo-Ralehloko told Daily Sun they took part in the ayihlome walk so they can inform the community about the things killing society. “I usually engage in walks, but this one was different because after a kilometer, we stop and prayed. We had four stops on the 4km walk. As Gauteng provincial government we appreciate this opportunity,” she said.
Award-winning gospel artist, Dumi Mkokstad encouraged men to do well and protect women. “It doesn’t matter how much a person provokes you, you have no right to lay your hands on someone and we know the consequences of doing that,” he said.
ALSO READ | Scandal! actor: Followers make or break you
The Crown Gospel Awards will be held in Gauteng for the first time at the FNB Stadium on Sunday, 26 November.
“We will give people from Gauteng an experience of a lifetime. It's going to be a new season with collaborations that we have never seen before. Lizodilika izulu," said Mbokazi.
