By Mmathapelo Mothapo
ALSO SEE: A nation on its knees: reflections from prayer and repentance gathering on Table Mountain
When I received the invitation to the Prayer and Repentance event on Table Mountain, I thought it would be just another prayer gathering — a meaningful moment, yes, but nothing could have prepared me for what I experienced.
What I encountered that day changed me. It felt as though heaven itself had descended. The mountain became a meeting place between God and His people — a living altar of prayer, tears, and covenant renewal.
An encounter I will never forget
When Rachel Kalidass, the organiser of the event, stood holding the menorah, something inside me shifted. It wasn’t simply symbolic — it was deeply spiritual and prophetic.
As she lifted the menorah toward the heavens, I was reminded of Moses, who also went up a mountain to meet with God — not for himself, but on behalf of a nation. That same mantle seemed to rest upon Rachel that morning. She wasn’t standing there for recognition or applause; she was interceding for South Africa — for healing, for mercy, for restoration.
In that sacred moment, I felt the presence of God so strongly that my heart trembled. Tears streamed down my face as I heard the Lord whisper, “I have not forgotten this nation.”
- Advertisement -
More than candles — it was covenant
That image of Rachel lighting the menorah will stay with me forever. It wasn’t just light — it was covenant.
She stood there as a vessel of remembrance, hope, and renewal. The light flickering in the Cape Town wind seemed to say: “God’s covenant still stands over this land.”
It was no longer just about South Africa. It was about nations — about a generation being called back to holiness, to obedience, to the altar of repentance.
Her words touched my heart
Afterward, I sent Rachel a message of gratitude, telling her how deeply the moment had touched me. Her reply was so simple and humble: “Thank you so much for the beautiful words of encouragement. It was exhausting planning this event and so emotional to see it all come together. Please do keep me in your prayers as I fulfil the Lord’s work for the nation.”
Her response moved me to tears. Behind that calm strength was the heart of a servant leader — someone who carries the burden of intercession quietly, away from cameras and applause.
It reminded me that the call to intercede is never glamorous — it’s costly, lonely, and sacred.
What God did in me
That night, I couldn’t sleep. The fire that had been kindled on that mountain refused to fade. I prayed until the early hours, overwhelmed by God’s presence.
Something had shifted deep within me. My prayers changed. My focus changed. My understanding of intercession changed.
I found myself drawn into Scripture, reading about God’s promises to Israel, to the Gentiles, and to the nations. Suddenly, it all connected. What we had done on that mountain wasn’t just local — it was global. It was prophetic alignment.
I understood that true intercession must be rooted not in emotion, but in God’s eternal plan.
The Scripture that spoke to me
Psalm 69:35–36 (NKJV)
“For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it. Also, the descendants of His servants shall inherit it, and those who love His name shall dwell in it.”
These verses came alive in my heart. They reminded me that God is still a builder — of cities, of nations, and of hearts.
What happened on Table Mountain wasn’t just the closing of a 10-day fast; it was the reopening of covenant between God and His people.
A movement, not a moment
As I descended from the mountain, I knew I wasn’t coming down the same way I went up. Something eternal had been deposited in my spirit.
This was more than an event — it was a divine appointment.
It was a call to rebuild the altars of prayer and purity in our land.
Rachel’s obedience lit something in all of us — a flame that calls South Africa to repentance, healing, and destiny.
And as I reflect on it now, my heart is filled with gratitude.
“You have changed my life,” I told her. “May the Lord bless you and protect you. Thank you for standing in the gap for this nation.”
Closing reflection
The Prayer and Repentance gathering reminded me that revival doesn’t start in a crowd — it starts in a heart.
That day, on Table Mountain, I didn’t just see candles being lit.
I saw covenant being rekindled.
I saw a nation remembering who her God is.
And I saw light — the light of mercy, truth, and hope — shining again over South Africa.
Please help us to keep on publishing news that brings Hope in Jesus:
>> Donate >> Become a Super Subscriber
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/gatewaynews100
COMMENTING GUIDELINES
You are welcome to engage with our articles by making comments [in the Comments area below] that add value to a topic or to engage in thoughtful, constructive discussion with fellow readers. Comments that contain vulgar language will be removed. Hostile, demeaning, disrespectful, propagandistic and off-topic comments may also be moved. This is a Christian website and if you wish to vent against Christian beliefs you have probably come to the wrong place and your comments may be removed. Ongoing debates and repetitiveness will not be tolerated. You will also disqualify yourself from commenting if you engage in trolling.
I am deeply grateful to the Lord for His Handmaiden Rachel for her vision & obedience in getting this very significant prayer event to happen. May she be equally clearly & strongly led in what the Lord wants to happen next. Ps.20:4-5.