By Nomfundo Makhanya and Andre Viljoen
ALSO SEE: ‘I saw the light of covenant on the mountain’
On October 3 2025, believers from across South Africa and beyond ascended Table Mountain, Cape Town, for the closing event of Awakening South Africa: 10 Days of Repentance, Prayer, and Fasting.
The gathering, timed to mark Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement — and led by Rachel Kalidass founder of the Awakening SA prayer and repentance movement, became a profound moment of unity, healing, and prophetic intercession for the nation and Israel.
Held under bright skies after days of unpredictable weather, the event carried a palpable sense of divine purpose. Christian and Jewish leaders joined hands in repentance and reconciliation, demonstrating a shared desire for renewal and spiritual awakening.
A morning of worship and intercession
The day opened with worship, as voices from every background lifted songs of praise across the mountain. The lighting of the menorah by Rachel marked the beginning of the event, a prophetic act symbolising covenant and remembrance. The menorah’s light flickered against the Cape Town wind, declaring that “God’s covenant still stands over this land”.
The first keynote speaker, Dr Gerhard Kotze of Amazing Grace Ministries, spoke of a much-prophesied revival fire spreading from the Cape to Cairo. He said that SA is “pregnant with revival” that God wants to bring in the midst of troubled times — in response to “people who will get down on their knees and pray”.
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“We have revival services, we have revival meetings. But you know what? Revival meetings come and they go, but the glory of the Lord remains forever. It is time that we will have an outpouring of the glory of God, and no more just revival meetings — but that we will see a continuous move,” he said before leading the gathering in “cyring out” for revival and Christian unity.
The next keynote speaker, Jewish leader Daniel Yakobi of SA Friends of Israel, delivered a powerful message on the spiritual significance of Yom Kippur and the ongoing battle between truth and deception in global narratives about Israel.
“Accusations against Israel are not political,” he said. “They are spiritual warfare aimed at erasing God’s promises. When the world questions Israel’s right to exist, they question God’s Word and sovereignty.”
He emphasised that Israel’s endurance amidst global criticism is living proof of God’s faithfulness, urging South Africans to stand firm in prayer and truth.
Michelle Coetzee of Global International Prayer Network set up a time of deep repentance by sharing about a prophetic prayer mission that took place on Table Mountain in 2021. “On that day, as we repented, Holy Spirit showed that a seed of repentance dropped into Table Mountain, and he said that seed will bear much fruit, the fruit of repentance.”
Moments of deep repentance followed as Christian and Jewish leaders took turns interceding for South Africa, confessing national sins of corruption, idolatry, division, and antisemitism.
Pastor Heinz Winkler of LoveKey Church led prayers for national purity, while Daniel Kleinbooi, missionary chaplain to Parliament, prayed on behalf of South Africa’s political and spiritual leadership, saying: “The Lord reminded me that He can do the impossible. As we pray, He will move in powerful ways. He will conquer Israel’s enemies and heal our land.”
Gary Power, son of the late businessman and Global Day of Prayer founder Graham Power and Pastor Steve Flandorp Global Director for Africa of Capitol Ministries, reignited the call for revival, praying for a generation to rise in purity and obedience.
Pastor Sheldon Kidwell of Bay City Church reflected on the event’s humble beauty. “What was significant was the rise of the nameless and faceless, those who serve without applause, yet have the Father’s approval. When we lay down our crowns, God’s presence rushes in,” he said.
Testimonies of transformation
Among attendees was Mmathapelo Mothapo who captured the spiritual gravity of the day in a testimony she shares here about seeing “covenant being rekindled” — and “a nation remembering her God”. Mmathapelo’s reflection echoes the sentiment of many who experienced personal renewal. What began as a prayer meeting became a divine encounter, a moment that reignited faith and stirred prophetic vision for the future.
Voices of gratitude and hope
Pastor Steve expressed gratitude for the unity and depth of prayer witnessed, saying: “It was such a privilege to engage with a diverse group of Christians reaffirming our commitment to Israel. The bonds the enemy sought to undermine have been restored and fortified.”
Others shared similar sentiments, recognising the event as both a national and spiritual turning point. The collective prayer for Israel and South Africa became an act of covenant renewal, a prophetic alignment between two nations bound by divine promise.
A call to rebuild the altars
As the event drew to a close with Holy Communion and worship, a shared conviction lingered among participants: revival does not begin in crowds, but in hearts.
The menorah lighting at Kloofnek after the main event and a prayer walk up Table Mountain became symbols of spiritual renewal, a declaration that South Africa’s destiny is tied to prayer, repentance, and alignment with God’s promises.
In the words of Psalm 69:35–36: “For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah… the descendants of His servants shall inherit it, and those who love His name shall dwell in it.”
A movement, not a moment
The prayer and repentance event on Table Mountain was more than the culmination of 10 days of fasting; it was a prophetic ignition. It rekindled faith, restored unity, and reminded South Africans that God’s covenant remains in effect.
Throughout the day, attendees expressed deep appreciation for Rachel’s servant leadership and vision as she balanced logistics, intercession, and pastoral care, with humility and grace. As she and her team now prepare for future gatherings including national prayer at FNB Stadium, one message remains clear: God has not forgotten South Africa. His promises are eternal. And the light of the covenant continues to shine from Table Mountain to the nations.
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