2021 July unrest | Day of reconciliation in Phoenix

DURBAN - Communities in Phoenix, Durban are hoping Sunday's day of reconciliation event will prevent any future racial tensions.  

READ: 2021 July unrest | 30 alleged instigators back in court 

Different racial groups gathered in prayer and to ask for forgiveness from one another.

Racial tensions reached boiling point during last year's July unrest.

At least 35-people were killed when Black and Indian communities clashed in the community.

The United Prayer Meeting organisation hosted the event to help repair relations between the groups.

Pastor Sibusiso Mthakathi said, "we are practicing the forgiveness as we are breaking the circle of 36 years starting from 2021 in July and reversing it to 1985, 1949 to 1913."

"We are here from different racial groups becoming one and breaking such and asking for forgiveness. We are washing feet and from there we will be sharing the communion together."

"We are here so that the future generation will not experience what we suffered from.”

Following the unrest, black communities in Phoenix and surrounding townships shared how some of their loved ones were killed while mostly searching for petrol stations.  

One of the event organisers says much progress has been made in bringing  different races together since last year.

The organisers say they hope that from this day forward, no future racial tensions will arise.