Youth Day marred by bloodshed

ON A DAY meant to honour the courage and sacrifice of South Africa's youth, the communities of Westbury and Eldorado Park are instead mourning the young lives lost to violence and gangsterism.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

Residents say gunfire has become a daily soundtrack in their neighbourhoods, with children and teenagers bearing the brunt of ongoing turf wars. While some youths are lured into gangs, others — far too many — are simply caught in the crossfire.

This Youth Day, instead of celebration, Westbury residents were due to take to the streets in protest. Marches and community-led demonstrations had been organised to demand urgent action against the escalating violence that has turned their streets into war zones. "We are tired of burying our children," said a tearful mother in Westbury, holding up a picture of her 15-year-old son who was killed while walking home from school.