Special report by Louisa Xabela on the Africa Back to God prayer convention in Cape Town last Saturday
A significant prayer convention was held on March 7 at New Way Hall in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, bringing together intercessors, church leaders, and believers united around one message: “Africa Back to God the Biblical Way.”
The gathering, which ran from 9am to 6pm, was marked by intense and intimate worship, intercession, and prophetic actions (2 Chronicles 20).
A message rekindled
The convention was convened following what Apostle Patrick Madikiza described as a divine prompting from the Holy Spirit in December 2025, urging him to pause his existing ministry commitments within his church, Christ Body in Unity Church, and rekindle the historic revival message first proclaimed in 1945 by Rev. Nicholas Bhengu.
That message — “Africa Back to God in a Bible Way” — called the continent to spiritual renewal grounded in Scripture rather than cultural or political movements.
According to Apostle Madikiza, the moment had come for this message to be revived for a new generation across Africa and beyond.
A legacy of prayer
Madikiza arrived in Cape Town accompanied by a group of intercessors who have continued standing in prayer since the start of the movement in 1953 in Elujizweni, Engqeleni in the Eastern Cape. Their mission has been to keep the revival prayer fire burning across generations.
Preparatory prayer gatherings were held in the weeks leading up to the convention, hosted at the House of Prayer by Apostle Noluthando Hlobo.
During these preparations, Madikiza emphasised that true spiritual reformation must also influence social, political, and economic transformation, guided by the principles of love and peace.
Prophetic worship and prayer
The prayer sessions included prophetic ministry led by Gary and Cheryl Smythe of New Life Vineyard Church, who spoke about the unlocking of African voices and the restoration of economic dignity through spiritual alignment with God.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere remained deeply contemplative, marked by worship, repentance, and intercession for the continent.
Honouring the pioneers
During his address, Madikiza honoured the visionary of this message Rev Nicholus Bhengu, along with other historic figures who carried the message of revival and spiritual awakening across SA.
Among them were:
- Rev Richard Ngidi
- Rev Job Chiliza
- Rev Duma
- Evangelist Sithole
- Prophet Khulile ka Majeke
- Prophet Ntsikane
- Prof S E K Mqhayi
- John Tengo Jabavu
- Enoch Sontonga
- Rev Tiyo Soga
- Rev H H Dougmore
These leaders, through preaching, writing, music, and social influence, contributed to shaping the spiritual consciousness of the nation.
A call to humility in the Church
Madikiza also addressed what he described as the growing challenge of pride within church structures, suggesting that spiritual renewal requires restoring the biblical balance of the five-fold ministry together with the vital role of intercessors.
Intercessors, he said, serve as a spiritual bridge — maintaining prayer and spiritual covering between church leadership and the wider body of believers.
A moment of repentance
One of the most solemn moments of the gathering occurred when Apostle Linda Gobodo led a prayer of repentance on behalf of the Xhosa nation.
The prayer reflected on a historic warning attributed to the prophet Ntsikane, who cautioned that a time would come when people would be presented with a choice between material wealth symbolised by a coin and the truth of the Bible.
Participants prayed for healing, repentance, and spiritual restoration.
A message for the future
In closing, Madikiza declared 2026 as a prophetic “Year of Two Bulls and Favour”, with the bulls symbolising the clash of the Kingdom of light and darkness.
He summarised the call through five reflections:
Who are we?
A set-apart Church — a rainbow nation church of intercessors and nation-builders (Isaiah 42:9).
Where do we come from?
Those who have come out wilderness of deception, severe sufferings for the Kingdom mandate, have been under siege for the Kingdom
Where are we now?
At the threshold of spiritual revolution and renewal (Isaiah 43:18).
Why must a new thing begin?
Because the call to repentance and preparation for Christ’s return remains urgent.
How do we reach the destiny?
By returning to the message: Africa Back to God in the Biblical Way.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
Let those who have an ear hear and run with this message from Cape to Cairo and to the nations of the Earth.
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What a magnificent and insightful meeting and written article, rich in GLORY!
Indeed it is God’s time… *what a prayer convention * in South African history it left a mark…GLORY be to GOD
Very encouraging 👏🏾 Awake Africa 🌍 this is your appointed time ⏲️ 👏🏾 ✝️🛐