The Department of Social Development will, on Friday, 08 August, engage children and parents in an interactive dialogue at the Shekinah Christian Worship Centre in Burgersfort, Limpopo. This initiative forms part of the Department’s implementation of the Anti-Gangsterism Strategy aimed at addressing the growing impact of gangsterism on families and communities.
The Anti-Gangsterism Strategy was introduced by the Department of Social Development to help children, youth, and families understand the risks connected with gangsterism. By addressing gangsterism through communication with family members, children living in families, communities, and Child and Youth Care Centres, the Anti-Gangsterism Strategy aims to protect children and those in conflict with the law.
Through this strategy, the Department works closely with teachers, the South African Police Service, parents, and communities to disrupt gang-related activities. The approach includes open dialogue with children, both in communities and Child and Youth Care Centres and their families, to encourage a united response against gangsterism.
Burgersfort in the Sekhukhune District has been identified as a hotspot where gang activity, especially among young people is on the rise. Local gangs, such as MaDH and Gurana, are known to recruit children as young as 14 years old. These children are often exposed to drug and alcohol abuse and used by adult criminals to carry out violent and illegal acts.
In response, the department is rolling out evidence-based programmes like life skills, anger management therapeutic interventions, re-integration and after-care. These interventions are aligned with the National Policy Framework on Diversion Services and seek to empower affected youth and their families.
The Department remains committed to protecting vulnerable children, in line with the Constitution and the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, which promote the welfare and rights of every child in South Africa. Gangsterism is not just a criminal issue it is a social ill that requires community driven solutions and sustained engagement.
