Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 22 May 2025 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli delivered a heartfelt address during the Provincial Prayer Day, held at the Durban Exhibition Centre, calling on faith leaders, government, and communities to unite in prayer and action to combat crime, gender-based violence, and other social ills that continue to plague the province.

Speaking under the theme “KZN Spiritual Leaders United in Building KZN to Inspire New Hope,” Premier Ntuli highlighted the transformative power of faith in healing communities and restoring dignity. He emphasised that faith leaders play a unique and vital role in leading society through compassion, justice, and moral regeneration.

“This theme challenges us to build a KwaZulu-Natal where hope is restored, where communities are healed, and where every person is given the opportunity to thrive,” said Premier Ntuli. “Working together, we can become instruments for positive change.”

The Premier reaffirmed that addressing crime and gender-based violence must be a collective effort, requiring solidarity across all sectors — especially the faith community. He quoted from the Holy Scriptures and various faith texts, reminding attendees of the moral duty to act in service of others.

Quoting Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, Premier Ntuli shared:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up the other… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
He explained that this passage reinforces the strength found in unity — that when government, faith leaders, law enforcement, and communities stand together, they can overcome poverty, crime, and gender-based violence.

Premier Ntuli also referenced the Quran (49:13), which teaches that all people are created equal and that the most noble are those who are righteous. This, he said, affirms the shared humanity that must guide the province in building a society rooted in love, justice, and mutual respect.

Quoting Prophet Isaiah Shembe, Premier Ntuli added:
“Blessed is the one who shows mercy, for they will be shown mercy in their time of need. Suffering is not borne by one person alone — all are under the same sun.”
He encouraged spiritual leaders to continue being voices of compassion and righteousness.

The Premier acknowledged the powerful role religious communities played during apartheid and praised their continued contributions in times of hardship, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and recent floods. He referenced the Bhagavad Gita (4:7) to inspire a renewed call to action:
“Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, at that time I manifest myself on earth to protect the righteous, annihilate the wicked, and re-establish righteousness.”

Premier Ntuli also addressed several recent tragedies that had shaken communities, including:
• The murder of seven members of the Khambule family in Hlokozi, including a three-year-old child.
• The killing of five members of the Mazibuko family in eMangweni, Estcourt.
• The brutal slaying of eight people in Umlazi, Kwa-U section.
• A road accident that claimed nine lives near Mthunzini Plaza, involving church members en route to a Mother’s Day service.

“These tragedies require prayer, but also collective action. Let us pray for an end to these horrors, especially the killing and abuse of women and children — often at the hands of those meant to protect them,” said the Premier.

He commended community efforts that led to the arrest of a suspect accused of sexually assaulting learners at Bizimali High School and stressed that such collective vigilance gives hope that crime can be defeated through unity.

Premier Ntuli also reflected on the historical role of faith in shaping political movements, noting that both the African National Congress (founded in a church in 1912) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (founded in a church in 1975) have roots in the religious community. He thanked religious leaders who continue to pray for government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

“As we look to inspire new hope in our province, let us also renew our moral conscience,” he said. “We must confront whether we, too, are contributing to the crisis we are trying to end.”

In closing, Premier Ntuli extended his deepest gratitude to faith-based communities for their ongoing support, prayer, and moral guidance. He urged them to continue working in partnership with government to uplift communities and restore hope.

“Let our united prayers bring peace, justice, and prosperity to KwaZulu-Natal. When we stand together — in faith and unity — there is no challenge we cannot overcome,” he said.