Methodist Church brings hope to Khayelitsha's Site C on Valentine’s Day

While many were celebrating Valentine’s Day, the Methodist Church of Southern Africa’s False Bay Circuit 128 took its altar to the so-called no-go area of Site C in Khayelitsha, offering prayers and distributing clothing to victims of fire and crime.

The church's Music Association, led by Reverend Mamnguni Cele, had a clear plan for the day: to give back to the community and pray for an end to the persistent crime in Khayelitsha.

As part of its circuit opening - the first of its kind for the False Bay Circuit - the church took praise and worship out of the building and into B Section in Site C, an area often associated with robberies and shootings.

Mission co-ordinator and organiser Vivinne Budaza said the outreach, supported by the entire church and its choir, was a success. She described the decision to take the altar to the people as both bold and necessary.

“It was a mission accomplished. The aim was to sing and worship in a place known as a no-go area. Our people are living in fear of crime. As a church, we have a responsibility to give hope to the hopeless. That is what we did, and community members were happy to see us there,” she said.

Ms Budaza added that the church also set out to provide clothing and groceries to victims of fires and crime.

“We asked friends and church members to donate whatever they could so we could assist those in need. People did not disappoint - they gave generously, even though the idea came together at the last minute,” she said.

Shebelieves churches should prioritise outreach programmes during these difficult times.

“People are broken, poor, and affected by crime. This is a time when churches should be present in communities and walk alongside the people,” she said.

At the gathering, Reverend Mpikiso Hlokomfana explained to bystanders and community members the meaning of umbhedesho and the worship song Siyakudumisa, as the congregation prayed and sang together in the street.

Beneficiaries welcomed the support. Makhosani Nobhatyi, whose home was destroyed in a fire some time ago, expressed gratitude for the assistance.

“I was not expecting this, but I am grateful. My house burnt down two years ago, and I am still struggling to make ends meet. It has been difficult to have the basics. On behalf of all those who received help, I thank the church,” he said.

After the outdoor prayer and outreach, the church members returned to their building.

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