BULLETPROOFPLAYPARKTOKEEPCHILDRENSAFE
Anon-governmental organisation (NGO) in Cape Town has proposed an extraordinary solution to children being killed in the crossfire of rival gangs — the world’s first bulletproof play park for children.
The Western Cape, particularly the gang-ridden Cape Flats, has one of the highest child mortality rates globally. Children, often inadvertently caught in the crossfire, suffer the consequences of merely being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That a bulletproof play area has even been considered puts our crime problem into stark context. Areas like the Cape Flats and parts of Imbali in Pietermaritzburg are plagued daily by violence and people live in constant fear.
South Africa’s football legend, Benni McCarthy, now a coach at Manchester United, grew up in Hanover Park on the Cape Flats. When he was just 11 years old, he narrowly missed being shot while playing soccer on the streets near his home. His best friend Reginald, however, was killed by a stray bullet.
McCarthy describes the idea of a bulletproof park as “insane”, pointing out the absurdity that children need such protection to play safely.
“Kids are the future of our country. They need to have the security and luxury to enjoy life outdoors without worrying about being gunned down in the street … it gives you the impression of being in a prison where you can’t play and enjoy yourself with freedom,” said McCarthy.
Adele Kirsten, director of Gun Free South Africa, says that over a 12-year period, nearly half of the children under 12 admitted to Cape Town’s Red Cross Children’s Hospital were victims of such shootings.
The planned park will be surrounded by level 8 bulletproof glass and equipped with the usual playground amenities, like swings and jungle gyms, ensuring that children can play without fear. Unless the government prioritises the safety and security of its citizens, South Africa may descend into a gangster state as criminals fight for control of less affluent communities that cannot afford private security.