On Thursday, February 3 Premier Ebrahim Rasool, the Provincial cabinet, mayors, members of the provincial legislature and religious leaders will join almost 2 000 people in Piketberg to pray for rain.

The Premier, Professor Russell Botman and Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane will be the main speakers at the inter-faith event. Farmers, both established and emerging, as well as farmworkers will also speak.

The Western Cape faces a massive challenge in ensuring the sustainability of our meager water resources in the midst of a crippling drought which has led to severe water restrictions, and virtually destroying parts of our agricultural sector.

The forecast for rain remains bleak, our dams, at a level of 39% is at an all time low. Many farmers will not be able to harvest and with there is a real possibility that livestock will have to be culled.

Farmworkers and especially seasonal farmworkers face a dire future as farmers are unable to pay or employ them.

The province is also gearing itself up to deal with the effects of climate change, one of the more immediate challenges to regearing ourselves to deal with shorter periods of rain falling in the region.

Last month the Premier announced a number of immediate measures to deal with the impacts of global warming and climate change.

Premier Rasool and religious leaders from across the spectrum is calling on everyone to join in praying for the storm clouds to gather, for the heavens to open and to shower us with its abundant blessings.

Tomorrow's call to pray is the beginning of a course of action.

Under the theme 'A Province united in the Face of Drought, Fires and Floods: a Call to Prayer and Change', the multi-faith service will start this course of action in Piketberg, one of the worst affected areas

This will take place from 10h00 to 12h00 at the VGK, c/o Loop and Sand Streets [take second Piketberg turn off from N7]

After that we are calling for a daily observance of a minute of prayer at noon each day:

1. for unity, compassion and sharing,
2. for the drought to be alleviated,
3. for those most affected by the drought and fires and floods [especially farm workers and owners],
4. For us to plan our water useage and future well,
5. For us to use this most precious resource with responsibility and gratitude
6. for wisdom and strength to our leaders as they guide us through this difficult time of challenge and long term change

A mini-bus will transport media to and from the event. The mini-bus will depart from 1 Dorp Street at 8.15. To book a seat on the bus call Lynnette on 483 3915 or on 083 3100113.

For more information contact Lynnette on the above numbers or Allie van Jaarsveld on: 084 604 6701

Issued for and on behalf of Premier Ebrahim Rasool, Provincial Minister of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Tasneem Essop and Provincial Minister of Agriculture Cobus Dowry

Lynnette Johns
Media Liaison Officer
to Tasneem Essop
Provincial Minister of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning