Youths in Gangs on the Cape Flats: If Not in Gangs, Then What?

Abstract

Marichen van der Westhuizen, Sibulelo GawulayoYouths in gangs on the Cape Flats have been reported to be a major and ongoing concern. It is therefore necessary to explore what prompts youths not to join gangs, or to exit gangs. This article is based on a secondary analysis of data that focused on the perceptions of youths in the Cape Flats of the reasons for youths joining gangs. The findings point to individual, family and environmental contributing influences. The discussion is concluded with some recommendations for interventions aimed at providing youths with alternatives to prevent them from joining gangs, or to assist them to exit gangs.

Perceived School Based Factors Influencing the Academic (Under) Achievement of Vulnerable Learners in Lesotho

“…Issues of limited education opportunity for school age population especially vulnerable children (Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee Report, 2017) and low transition to secondary education (Lesotho United Nation Development Assistance Plan (LUNDAP) 2016) are critical issues across the country. Despite the challenges that vulnerable learners may bring to schools, the School Management Teams (SMT) is expected to produce expected results (Van der Westhuizen, 2002;Code of Good Practice, 2011). Some of the factors that are used in judging an effective school include, among others, excellent achievement by many pupils in examinations and the success of past pupils.…”

Bridging unemployment gaps through ICT Bootcamps: A reality or precarity to equitable learning?

“…Despite being aware that education can potentially improve their social and economic status, historical imbalances in the family can deter them from registering at colleges as they might not have the required funding and support. Moreover, the need to immediately support families is another thorn that requires quick fixes and some of the youths end up getting affiliated with gangs as they reckon it to be their only future (Van der Westhuizen & Gawulayo, 2021) The factors cited above are further compounded by the legacy of Apartheid which left unprecedented spatial mismatches between residential areas and employment. Areas of middle to high-income levels are predominantly concentrated with high employment opportunities (Turok, 2001).…”

“…There is little doubt that institutions of higher learning can build a secure and productive society resilient to crime and respond to historical challenges. However South African institutions, predominantly the traditional universities and TVET colleges do not seem to be doing much particularly in poverty-stricken Cape Flats where help is most needed (Naudé, 2008;Chetty, 2015;Van der Westhuizen & Gawulayo, 2021) youth have been neglected. There is a gap between bringing equitable learning environments to the underprivileged and providing lifelong learning opportunities.…”