Experts say gang violence is the by-product of unemployment, lack of infrastructure and poor education. They say that the issue will persist as long as the issue of unemployment and poverty exists
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday doubled-down on his plan to send the army into gang-infested areas, despite mixed responses on the initiative.
His announcement was made as part of his State of Nation address earlier this month and follows on a series of announcements about fighting the scourge which have not resulted in any real improvement on the ground where the gangs continue to terrorise residents.
Experts have largely criticised Ramaphosa’s decision to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to the Western Cape and Gauteng to fight crime, emphasising that soldiers are not trained in policing and community support.
Some community leaders argue that gang violence is the byproduct of systemic neglect such as unemployment, lack of infrastructure and poor education. They say that the issue will persist as long as the issue of unemployment and poverty exists. The army, they argue, will provide temporary relief for a problem that requires a long-term approach.
ONN spoke to Westbury community leader Vernon Fritz and a gang member for their view on the intervention:
Meanwhile, in Cape Town Mawlana Nazeem Samsodien is part of a team running 38 Madrassas, catering for the needs of 2 000 kids, across the Cape Flats. Through this project they hope to offer the kids safe refuge after school from the killing streets
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