Gang violence in the Western Cape: A call for urgent intervention

Absent fathers, socio-economic challenges, poverty, unemployment, and societal pressure to provide and be leaders are some of the factors pushing men and boys towards gangsterism.

This was revealed during a recent engagement held by the Commission for Gender Equity (CGE) on X spaces, where they unpacked a research study on factors contributing to the prevalence of gangs in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal. 

Gang violence is rearing its ugly head in the Western Cape, with multiple shootings reported weekly, and terrified communities appealing for intervention. Overcome Heights residents from the Muizenberg informal settlement chained themselves to the gates of Parliament to demand urgent action from Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia.

Cachalia has acknowledged that police efforts had been inadequate and indicated he would meet the SAPS National Commissioner and the Minister of Justice this week to finalise a more coordinated plan.

Sharing insights from the report titled, ‘Men, masculinities, and gangs: Investigating the persistence of male gangs in selected provinces of South Africa 2024’, Thabani Mdlongwa, a researcher at CGE, said they found that gangs provide identity and admiration.

“Poverty, unemployment, poor service delivery, and lack of opportunities push youths to gangs for survival,” Mdlongwa said.

Solly Ngoveni, Northern Cape Manager of the CGE, said the country has a national anti-gang strategy, but it is not working because it is largely reactive, fragmented, and poorly monitored.

Another challenge is that the anti-gang strategy lacks public engagement and awareness.

“We do have community-centred restorative interventions, including any childhood interventions to promote healthy family dynamics and emotional support. We also need mentorship and after-school programmes offering alternatives to gang identity. Strategies must centre gender dynamics, especially addressing masculine identity, male trauma, and social pressure to provide,” Ngoveni said.

He highlighted that NGOs are underfunded and inadequately supported to deal with gangsterism.

Mansoer Arendse from Hanover Park said the community is living in fear.

“The shootings are impacting our lives so badly that we are afraid to take our kids to school, to fetch them when they come out of school. Our kids can’t play in the parks; they can’t even play outside. We are afraid to walk outside. We need an immediate intervention. It should be a state of emergency. Hanover Park is bleeding, and we need help,” Arendse said.

Abie Isaacs, founder and chairperson of the Cape Flats Safety Forum (CFSF), said there is a need for good role models because absent fathers are among the factors driving youth towards gangsterism.

“Social issues are factors driving up crime; we need a multifaceted approach that includes all spheres of government, civil society, and the business community. Once we start addressing some of the social ills, we should be able to dive in and assist from a social perspective. Another area that needs focus is gender-based violence (GBV),” Isaacs.

He said funding is the biggest concern, and they fund projects from their own pockets.

Isaacs added that the CFSF has several interventions on substance abuse, and works with relevant institutions for holistic assistance, and supports families by opposing bail for serious and violent crimes.

Rafique Foflonker, spokesperson for the Western Cape CPF Board, stated that CPFs are volunteers but are expected to do critical work without proper resources. 

“A proper plan is needed right now. If the government provides leadership and resources, and if communities, CPFs, SAPS, and social partners work together, we can build a plan that actually makes this province safer,” Foflonker stated.

Professor William Gumede from the Wits School of Governance said to end gangsterism in Cape Town, the government must declare a state of emergency and bring in the army.

“The government must focus hard on education in schools, by turning schools into centres of excellence.”

He added that there is also a need to focus on sports, culture, and recreation.

“People often forget that when young people live in areas affected by gang violence, they really don’t have much to do,” Gumede said. 

Professor Nirmala Gopal, a senior lecturer of criminology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, said the historical context of apartheid has played a significant role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of the region.

“The segregation and marginalisation of communities have fostered an environment where gangs can thrive. The lack of access to quality education and employment opportunities associated with these historical injustices has left many individuals vulnerable to recruitment by gangs, as these organisations often promise a sense of belonging, financial gain, and protection,” Gopal said.

She stated that communities that are still grappling with poverty and under-resourced social services are more susceptible to gang influence, and the failure of institutions to provide adequate support and opportunities has created a breeding ground for criminal activities.

This situation is further exacerbated by a lack of trust in law enforcement, which can lead individuals to seek protection and identity through gangs rather than through legitimate means, Gopal said.

She highlighted that with the fragmentation of communities due to ongoing issues such as violence, neglect, and substance abuse, social cohesion, gangs often fill the void left by ineffective social structures, gaining power and control within these neighbourhoods.

Cape Times