Thousands gather for first Mighty Men Cape Flats event in Cape Town

Thousands of men united in prayer for peace in the Cape Flats on Saturday at Athlone Stadium.

This gathering marked the first-ever Mighty Men Cape Flats event in Cape Town, a day filled with prayer, praise, and renewal. The event was hosted by a Tygerberg radio station.

Men from all walks of life and different faiths filled the stadium to pray for peace, unity, and healing in their communities. The atmosphere was electric, filled with song, dance, and prayer. Many men could be seen on their knees, some in tears, as they prayed for strength to lead their families and bring positive change to their neighbourhoods.

The thousands of Christian men shared testimonies of transformation from lives once entangled in gangs and addiction.

Farmer-evangelist Angus Buchan, known for his men’s ministry gatherings, led the prayer. Deeply moved by the violence facing local communities, Mr Buchan expressed his heartbreak over innocent children caught in gang crossfire.

With his trademark passion, Mr Buchan urged men to take their rightful place in their homes and communities as spiritual leaders, protect their families, and raise a new generation grounded in faith. His call to repentance and prayer filled the stadium with a tangible sense of reverence and hope.

“It’s time to stand up for your wives and children,” he said.

“Put that gun away and turn back to God - that’s where real change begins.”

Many men were visibly moved, some in tears, as he encouraged them to make a change in their communities.

One of the most moving moments of the day came when ex-convict Ivor Swartz shared his deeply touching testimony. Growing up in poverty without a father, Mr Swartz became involved with the notorious 26s gang and eventually landed in prison after taking his brother’s life.

While incarcerated, his life was radically transformed. Today, he travels the country encouraging men to discover their true identity in God.

“I was here to share my testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God, but also the persistent prayers of mothers who continue to trust God for work in young people’s lives that they cannot do themselves. My message to men is to come home to God. He wants you; He desires a relationship,” he said.

He recalled the catalyst for change being the words from a warden in prison, who said the only thing people would know about him for what he had done is how he stole, killed, and asked if he didn’t want to change. Today, he is a changed man who visits schools and other places to share the love of God.

Cape Town mayor Gordon Hill-Lewis also attended and was prayed for by Mr Buchan. 

“We are here to pray for our city and against those who are destroyed by drugs. We stand together against those tiny individuals who destroy our young people. There is power in togetherness, and there is power in prayer,” he said.

The event organisers were thrilled with the turnout, stating that registrations reached more than
16 000 for the day.