Confronting realities of gang violence

"SERIOUSLY man! Why not just get rid of them all? Just take them out, one by one!" It was with some shock that those around the table heard the frustrated outcry of a fellow activist against the unrelenting problem of gang violence.

- RUDI BUYS

The outburst comes as the Cape Flats, and also elsewhere in the province, yet again sees an increase of gang-related murder and mayhem. It is such a terrible and unending reality that frustration, hopelessness and discouragement easily surface and in itself makes for a powerful enemy the activist must also fight. It is as if the legion of local and international partners, interventions and programmes of government, security forces, anti-crime and social development agencies, and local community forums and organisations have little impact.

So, at that table to discuss the continuing struggle for change, no one reprimands him when he shouts out. They listen and understand even if the outburst seemingly calls for violence to fight violence; seemingly reaches for simplistic solutions; seemingly rails against the rule of law and human rights. They know this is not the case, but rather a vivid expression of the intensity of trauma that marks the

RUDI BUYS

Buys is a higher education consultant

lived experience of every single actor associated with gangs as a social and societal reality.