WHILE the rest of the country celebrated Human Rights Day on Thursday, 21 March, residents of Nkandla in northern KZN asked God for help.
The residents joined the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) at the Nkandla sport field.
They said they needed to pause, in the face of chaos in the country, and ask for God's intervention. They prayed against political killings, gender-based violence and the safe elections on 29 May.
One resident, Nokuthokoza Zikhali (34), said things are bad in the country. She believes God is the answer to the problems in the country.
"It is even hard to celebrate our rights when every day we see people being deprived of their right to life. People are killing each other, and children raped every day. People have become animals, and we can only ask God to deliver us from this dark place," Nokuthokoza said.
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Another resident, Muzi Biyela (43), said they are asking God to protect all politicians before the upcoming elections.
The interfaith fraternity also prayed for the safety of IFP premier candidate Thami Ntuli.
Inkosi Bhekizizwe Biyela said political killings are on the rise in the province and politicians need all the support.
"We need to pray for their safety and pray that God protects and guides Thami Ntuli at this time. He also needs spiritual support, that's why we're here today," said Inkosi Biyela.
The son of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi, said Mangosuthu is happy where he is because he has such high calibre of leaders like Ntuli.
He said the state of the country is bad, all promises have never been fulfilled and it is clear that change is needed.
"This country is running like a headless chicken. It needs leaders who have respect, integrity and passion to serve the people," he said.
Ntuli said it is always good to return home to get support and be energised.
"It's important that we invite God in everything we do. We ask for guidance from above," said Ntuli.
