As the Easter season approaches, a prayer service for Joburg metro officers, fire fighters and paramedics was held to pray for their safety. The prayer service was held at St Mary’s Cathedral in the Joburg CBD.
Joburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse and Public Safety MMC David Tembe were among the attendees at the prayer service.
Tembe said those who guard the lives of citizens were under siege and that the officers need guardians, too.
“The men and women in uniform are our guardians. They put their lives at risk for our lives and to protect our property. They, too, need guardians, they don”t have the luxury of working from home. They have to be on the street to serve us,“ said Tembe.
He added that with the Easter holidays approaching, the officers will be the ones on the ground.
“Today is about seeking spiritual guidance and blessings for our officials as they are about to be deployed for the busy Easter period. We also pay homage to the departed,” said Tembe.
Phalatse shared a word of comfort and prayer for the officers. In her prayer, she asked that peace may be restored within the city and that citizens may be served with kindness.
Interfaith prayers were conducted by members of the religious communities from the Muslim faith, Moulana Moeneeb Martin, from the Hindu faith, Pandit Bikash Mishra, and Rabbi Ari Kievman from the Jewish faith.
The city choir and the Cathedral of St Mary Church blessed the service with their melodious sounds and the singing of the National Anthem. The Anglican Dean of Johannesburg, Reverend Lubabalo Dlwathi, blessed today to share a short word on being appreciative of your job and what you have been blessed with in the midst of the pandemic.
A candle lighting session was also held in honour and remembrance of all public safety officer employees who have died. This was led by the Chaplains and the drill squad.