The South African Council of Churches (SACC) is calling for the country to consider a National Day of Mourning following a devastating run of mass shootings that claimed 39 lives across three provinces within six days, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The call comes after deadly attacks in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape left families grieving and communities grappling with shock and trauma.
SACC General Secretary Reverend Mzwandile Molo described the killings as more than a series of isolated incidents, warning that repeated exposure to violence risks making the loss of life feel normal.
The latest killings unfolded within less than a week.
On Tuesday, 22 September, 11 people were shot dead at a house party in KwaMakhutha, KwaZulu-Natal.
Four days later, on Saturday night, at least 18 people were killed and 14 wounded during a shooting at a tavern in Wedela, Gauteng.
Then, in the early hours of Sunday, 27 September, another 10 people were killed at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, Cape Town, while 11 others were wounded.
For the SACC, the three incidents have become a painful reminder of the scale of violence facing communities across South Africa.
Molo said the country needs to confront what the church body sees as a growing desensitisation to violence.
The SACC says justice remains essential, with those responsible for the attacks needing to be identified, prosecuted and held accountable.
But the organisation says the response cannot stop with law enforcement.
It is also urging South Africans to examine the deeper social conditions behind recurring violence, including anger, inequality, trauma and a loss of hope.
The proposed National Day of Mourning, according to the SACC, could provide an opportunity for South Africans to collectively pause, remember those who have died and reflect on the state of the country’s social fabric.
The organisation also drew on the words of Tiyo Soga, linking the present crisis to a broader call for spiritual reflection, repentance and renewal.
The SACC extended its condolences to those who lost loved ones and called for support for survivors and those dealing with the trauma of the attacks.
The council is calling on its member churches in KwaMakhutha, Wedela, Lwandle and other communities affected by violence to provide prayer, pastoral care, practical assistance, vigils and spaces for people to grieve.
It also appealed to anyone who may have information about the attacks to come forward to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The SACC says faith cannot exist separately from action, calling on faith communities, civil society, business, government and community leaders to work together in confronting the conditions that allow violence to take root.
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Picture: @SAPoliceService / X
