Crime and Violence A Reality for Youth in Our Communities

 By Machete Glen. 

 

 Crime and violence continue to affect young people across South Africa, and communities like Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa are no exception. Many youth are exposed daily to gangs, drugs, and unsafe environments, limiting their chances for a better future. 

 

 To understand this issue better, I spoke to four young people from different parts of Tshwane to hear their stories and views. Living in Fear – Lethabo Seshoka (18) from Jukulyn, Soshanguve Lethabo, an 18-year-old Grade 12 learner from Soshanguve Jukulyn, described how gang activities have made her neighborhood unsafe. "Almost every weekend, there are gunshots in my street. It's not even surprising anymore. It's like you just duck and pray," she said. Lethabo explained that many of the young boys she grew up with have joined local gangs because of unemployment and peer pressure. "Some of them didn’t even finish school. They say there are no jobs, so they start robbing people just to survive," she added sadly. Struggling for a Better Future – Thabang Raseabelo (21) from Ga-Rankuwa Zone 4 In Ga-Rankuwa Zone 4, Thabang, a 21-year-old endeavoring electrician, said he is trying to avoid the criminal lifestyle that has trapped many of his peers "It’s very easy to get involved in crime here," Thabang admitted. "When you are hungry and you see others making quick money by stealing or selling drugs, it’s tempting." Thabang believed that more youth programs and job opportunities would keep young people away from crime. "If the government or companies gave us more apprenticeships or internships, many guys wouldn’t be in the streets doing crime," he said. 


A Cry for Safe Spaces – Ayanda molefe (19) from Soshanguve P Ayanda, a 19-year-old university student from Soshanguve P, speaks about how the lack of safe spaces for youth is part of the problem. "There are no places for young people to go after school or during weekends. No youth centers, no libraries, no sports clubs," she said. Ayanda believed that idle time and boredom push youth towards negative influences. "If we had places where we could learn skills, play sports, or even just have fun safely, things would change a lot," she argued. 

 

 Caught in the Middle – Kabelo (20) from Soshanguve X Kabelo, a 20-year-old who recently finished matric in Soshanguve X, has seen first-hand how crime can destroy families. "My cousin was killed in a gang fight last year. He was only 17," Kabelo recalled, his voice heavy with emotion. He said that some young people are recruited into gangs as early as 13 years old. 

 

 "We are losing a whole generation to crime and drugs. It's heartbreaking," Kabelo said. "We need leaders who actually care about what’s happening here."  

 

The Bigger Picture, Crime and violence are deeply connected to issues like poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and poor community infrastructure. In places like Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa, many youth feel abandoned and see few opportunities for success outside of crime. While there are some government initiatives, like the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) programs, many young people interviewed say these efforts are not reaching everyone who needs help. Community-driven solutions, mentorship programs, and local 


role models are urgently needed to rebuild safe and supportive environments. Without real action, the cycle of crime will continue to rob young people of their futures. Listening to voices like Lethabo, Thabang, Ayanda, and Kabelo reminds us that behind the crime statistics are real lives, dreams, and hopes still fighting to survive. 

Location: Soshanguve, South Africa

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