Pray the News
Bay criminals hiring pupils as drug-runners, says minister
The Herald • 1 June 2026
Thought for Today
Abstract
Gqeberha communities must take back their schools from drug lords, who hire pupils as runners to sell to their schoolmates. This is the plea from Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who was in Nelson Mandela Bay on a visit to strengthen safety, school discipline and the well-being of pupils and teachers. Gwarube was speaking to The Herald at B J Mnyanda Primary School in Kwazakhele on Friday.
Earlier, she visited Dr AW Habelgaarn and Kroneberg primary schools in the northern areas.
“The biggest takeaway for me is that we’re not going to win the battle of school safety with educators, the SA Police Service (SAPS), and the department alone. It is going to require the whole of society to say we are taking back our communities. What has angered me the most is the fact that there are elders in our communities who are asking children as young as nine years old to get drugs into schools to sell them to other children. That cannot be solved by educators and the SAPS alone. The SAPS cannot be at the gate every single day searching children for substance abuse and knives.”
More Background
Minister Gwarube (Basic Education) emphasized a “whole-of-society” approach during her visits and inspections in Nelson Mandela Bay in late May 2026. She stated that communities, parents, and elders must take an active role in reclaiming schools and rejecting those who exploit children.
Collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), educators, and various departments is essential for establishing safety protocols, conducting searches, and promoting discipline in schools. This effort aligns with national initiatives such as the School Safety Protocol with SAPS and the National Drug Master Plan.
Local initiatives will include oversight visits, searches, awareness programs (such as education on tobacco and substance abuse), and calls for urgent intervention against gangsterism.
Prayer Guidelines
1. Prayer for Churches and Community Structures to Lead
Focus: Mobilizing the Church as salt and light for healing and prevention.
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:13-14, NIV)
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)
Prayer:
Almighty God, revive Your Church in Nelson Mandela Bay to become a powerful force for good. Let every local church serve as a center for prayer, rehabilitation, after-school mentoring, and family support. Raise up pastors and leaders who will partner with parents and law enforcement without fear. Ignite a community-wide movement where churches, NGOs, and residents reclaim our schools from drug lords. Heal our land as we humble ourselves, pray, and turn away from evil.
2. Prayer for Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Exploitation
Focus: Deliverance of children used as runners, and ending the generational cycle of drugs, addiction, and crime.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)
“Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36, NIV)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Chain-Breaker. We bring before You the vicious cycle where adults and drug lords exploit children as young as nine to sell drugs in our schools. Set every affected child free from manipulation, addiction, and fear. Provide a way of escape for families trapped in poverty and desperation. Break the stronghold of drug trafficking in Nelson Mandela Bay and release our children into the freedom and purpose You designed for them.
Today’s Scripture Chest
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