Acting Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Thsonono Buyeye. Photo credit: Twitter/NMandelaBaymuni
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the religious leaders of Port Elizabeth came together to host a prayer service for the COVID-19 patients at the Stadium. The service commenced at 9am with Councilor Buyelwa Mafaya as the host. All Port Elizabeth residents were invited to stream the service live on the municipality’s Facebook page. Approximately more than 20000 users were reached through the live broadcast.
Reverend Mbulelo Xalabile of the Methodist church and Minister Mpumelelo Mzizi of the Enlightened Christian Church led the service. Patients greatly enjoyed the service.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality council speaker said, “ I decided to organize the program after seeing a video of the patients on social media, where they turned their isolation suite into a worship room.”
The service was attended by the acting Mayor Thsonono Buyeye. He shared with the patients how he was proud of them as many people are refusing to isolate and be quarantined.
During the service, social distancing was maintained, regular washing of hands and the attendees had to adhere to wearing a mask.
The patients were filled with joy as the service provided much needed spiritual upliftment that the patients were longing for.