Gospel artists faced threats before Senzo Mchunu prayer

By Celani Sikhakhane

• Several gospel artists from KwaZulu-Natal say they were warned they could lose government performance opportunities if they took part in a prayer event for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
• The national prayer for Senzo Mchunu went ahead at Mbombela Civic Centre, where church leaders urged him to stay close to God as he faces serious allegations.

Gospel artists say they were almost forced to pull out of a national prayer for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu after receiving threats linked to African National Congress leaders.

The prayer service went ahead at Mbombela Civic Centre in Mpumalanga from Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday. It was attended by members of different churches who gathered to pray for Mchunu, who is facing serious allegations.

Some artists who travelled from KwaZulu-Natal told journalists they were under pressure not to perform at the event.

One artist, who did not want to be named, said he was shocked by the warning he received.

“I was shocked and surprised at the same time because they had no problem of my performances at the IFP events and the one I did at the NFP gathering. But they were so angry that I was going to perform at this event of their own leader. I then realised that politics is very complicated and it will take time for me to understand how this thing works,” he said.

He said he was told that if he still wanted to get performance bookings from the KwaZulu-Natal government, he must distance himself from Mchunu’s prayer.

Other artists arrived late at night to avoid being seen at the venue during the day.

Church leaders used the platform to encourage Mchunu to remain strong.

Reverend Sipho Mnisi told congregants that Mchunu must not allow the hand of God to move away from him.

“If Mchunu wants to emerge victorious against this crisis, he need to make sure that he stay closer to God. This battle is serious and it requires him to pray harder in order to win this battle,” said Mnisi.

Pastor Busisiwe Ngcobo from the Church of Jesus Christ said they attended the prayer not because of politics but to offer spiritual support.

She said they chose not to judge Mchunu but to stand with him and his family until the truth comes out. She said the family, including his wife and children, are going through a difficult time.

Lady Bishop Pretty Mhlongo-Sithole from Pienaar said churches pray for everyone, including prisoners.

“Even in the bible Petro received prayers from prison. So who we are to judge Mchunu. His children are emotionally going through because of this and they need our prayers as churches. Remember we don’t judge, ours is to pray until the truth prevail,” she said.

The service was held under the theme Truth Will Prevail.

Pictured above: Police Mininster Senzo Mchunu’s National Prayer continued till the early hours of Sunday at Mbombela Civic Centre in Mpumalanga Province.

Image source: Celani Sikhakhane

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