Gospel star Jonathan Rubain held a mass youth gathering on the Parade in Cape Town on Sunday and said he was instructed by God to pray for the youth following the suicide of rapper Riky Rick.
Around 2000 youngsters descended on the Parade after he made an appeal on Facebook.
Jonathan says: “When Ricky Rick committed suicide, God told me to get the young people of Cape Town in the same place to pray over them.
“If someone as successful as Ricky Rick can commit suicide, it sends out a message to the youth that suicide is an option, which we know is never an option.”
Joining him on stage was Byron Levi and Kinders van Sion.
The Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, Eddie Andrews, opened the gathering, and guest speakers included Apostle Jacobus Brouwers, Pastor Julian Claassen and Pastor Bradley van Reenen.
The Koortjies Met Jonathan Rubain star says he will also be embarking on a school tour to spread his message.
“We saw a lot of young people break down and cry, it was an emotional yet beautiful sight to see.
“They were hugging and crying together because there was finally a moment for them to free up and talk,” he says.
“One lady told our prayer counsellor that she is being raped for over a year now and for the first time she had the freedom to tell someone.”
He adds: “It was such a successful event, a 100 people got saved (converted).
“God told me to do this and hire stage and sound and pay for everything out of my own pocket.
“Nothing was more satisfying than seeing these young people walk away from there refreshed.”
He says parents and caregivers should be more open-minded and speak to the youth about mental health and suicide and assist them where needed.
“Our young people are dealing with real issues and challenges with depression being right on top of that list.
“Suicide and depression are indeed spiritual as it takes on your mind and soul.
“It tells you that the world will be a better place without you.
“You are not being appreciated here, you might as well take your own life.”