Cape Town - As thousands of marchers gather in Pretoria over the dire state of South African politics and economics,
in Cape Town Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has called on the public to join him in a vigil.
The theme of the vigil is "A lament for our beloved country," and is set to take the steps of St George's Cathedral from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesday.
It will entail 45 minutes of silence, followed by interfaith prayers and a commitment to ongoing prayers for South Africa for the next year.
Makgoba made a call for prayer to Anglicans on Sunday when he preached at a service to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Anglican Cathedral in Bloemfontein. He has now expanded his call to Capetonians.
"I am calling you and all Anglican faithful to join me in an hour of silence to soak our country in prayer on Wednesday... I will be at the foot of the steps at St George's Cathedral, Cape Town, but you can join the prayers from anywhere and at any time."
The South Africa 1st Forum will also be joining in Makgoba's prayers as part of their in their civic actions before marching to the regional offices of the National Prosecuting Authority to hand over a memorandum to express their displeasure in the way that institutions of state are being used to advance the narrow and corrupt interests of individuals.
The forum's Crispin Sonn said they are providing a platform for civilians to make their voices heard on the matter.
"It is our view that ahead of the ratings agency review it is important for these agencies to see that our democracy is strong and free and that ordinary citizens are willing to use the freedoms of our system to express their views to hold politicians accountable.It is partly for this reason that we are organising and informing the citizenry of the importance of their voices at this critical time in our evolution as a nation."
Cape Argus