National Day of Prayer is observed peacefully

A National Day of Prayer was peacefully observed, despite fears of violence between youth and security forces in Soweto and other major townships. Called by the National Initiative for Reconciliation (NIR) as a way to foster peace, the National Day of Prayer is observed by thousands in churches across the country. Despite the general peacefulness, there are some reports to the contrary. In Soweto, Naledi clashes occur between security forces and groups of youths congregating at street corners. At the St Mary's Cathedral in Central Johannesburg, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and other people attending a prayer meeting are forced to evacuate the building because of a bomb threat. On the same day, one of South Africa's biggest stay-aways and organised boycotts occurs, when workers heed the call for prayer by staying at home. As a result, many businesses in Johannesburg close down for the day.