The executive capital of South Africa was dedicated to Jesus at a moving ceremony at the foot of a newly-erected, 18m-high, illuminated cross overlooking the busy N1 highway south of Pretoria on Friday.
The cross which was donated to the city of Tshwane by generous benefactors, was erected on a hill close to the Botha Avenue off-ramp on Afrimat property adjacent to the Lyttelton dolomite quarry.
Leaders from several ministries and churches united around the cross early of Friday to participate in the City Capital Dedication, where they took a City of Love Pledge, declaring their support for building a city founded on brotherly love and unity and through through the love of God.
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The pledge is based on Psalm 133 which states: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell in unity!
“The N1 is one of the main arteries of the city, leading people in and out of the city. We declare this cross to be a sign of hope for those who drive on this road — especially those whose hearts are overcome with hopelessness. We want them to see the cross, so that their hope could be restored,” said Warren Brosnihan, a former Sprinbok player who led the ceremony.
“We want people to treat each other with compassion, kindness and empathy – spreading the true Gospel message of love and unity in Christ.”
Declaring there is a massive movement of change in the nation, he said:“The people of our country have had enough, and we want to come together in unity and stand for an honourable cause.”
New beginnings
Carolle Watson, leader of Carrolle’s Call, led the crowd in in a prophetic prayer over the city, saying:”We are taking territory back from the enemy for the Kingdom of God, not only for the city but also for the nation. We are entering a season of new beginnings and we will win souls!
“We shall become vessels of honour. Pretoria will become a fruitful city and we will forget the toils of the past.”
Daryl Hardy, one of the Pretoria benefactors and the visionary behind the cross project, said “The cross will serve as a visible testimony of the love of Jesus,”
“It was truly a group effort; thank you all who took part in this project. The cross belongs to the citizens of Pretoria and I hope that everyone who looks upon it will see the grace of God, the works of Jesus that have been completed for us all on the cross.”
Councillor Gert Visser, who attended the event on behalf of the mayor of the Tshwane metro, Solly Msimanga, said: “It is truly an incredible day and I am so grateful to be part of it. This is a worthy cause, that the city dwellers can be part of.”
Visser was the first person to sign the City of Love pledge — on behalf of the metro council.
Louis Loubser, managing director of Afrimat, said the company had decided to erect two poles on the property, respectively flying the company flag and the South African flag.
“Flags remind us of where we come from, but also help us to reflect on where we are going. When Daryl approached me with his vision of erecting a cross here, I couldn’t think of a better idea on how to honour God and bring hope back to the citizens of our city.”
The dedication event ended with a worship song and celebration and prayer under the cross.
Awesome. Great to have freedom of religion in SA. We are blessed. Thanks for errecting the cross..may it remind many who see it of Jesus’s love for us and lead them to salvation.
Dankie Vader in die hemel en op aarde vir sulke soldate van Hom. Mag die evangelie van Christus soos ‘n veldbrand versprei!!! Amen
Wat ‘n wonderlike gedagte. As ons Jesus en Sy kruis hoog oplig, sal Hy die mense na Hom toe trek. Mag dit die begin wees van ‘n magtige herlewing in Suid Afrika