Carvin’s comments apply widely
AFTER reading Carvin Goldstone’s article “Coloured bravado is killing people”, POST September 16, I understand his concerns regarding the violence and antisocial antics within our communities.
This type of behaviour is not only rife in the coloured community, it effects all communities in South Africa.
However, I must concede that his experiences as a child, teenager and now adult have given him more than enough authority to comment on and describe the “gung ho” attitude for survival within his community, be it in the classroom, playgrounds, nightclubs or society in general.
I admire his approach as a comedian and journalist in giving back to his community by raising concerns.
This kind of problem does not only exist in KZN. Just look at the gang, turf and drug wars in communities in the Western Cape, particularly the Cape Flats, the Eastern Cape and Eldorado Park.
Schools in these areas are a no-go zone for learners as they are intimidated by gangsters to join gangs that have violent initiations such as rape, robbery, stabbings and shootings.
It used to be more in the high schools, but now this behaviour is common in primary schools, where 10-yearolds are stabbing each other.
Religious organisations are trying their best to help by counselling youngsters to concentrate on their studies and avoid gangs, but this is not enough.
Over the years the coloured community has offered so much in terms of sport, with so many role models for young people to look up to. Many coloured sportsmen have represented South Africa at the highest level – in rugby, Elton Jantjies, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jong, Zane Kirchner, Bryan Habana, Waylon Murray, Ashwin Willemse, Chester Williams and Deon Kayser. In cricket, Vernon Philander, Alviro Peterson, Charl Langeveldt, Robin Peterson, Ashwell Prince, Herchelle Gibbs, Paul Adams and Omar Henry. And in soccer, Andre Arendse, Bradley August, Brendan Augustine, Shaun Bartlette, Delron Buckley, Duncan Crowie, Kermit Erasmus, Quinton Fortune, David Kannemeyer, Steven Pienaar, Mark Williams, Benny McCarthy, Fabian McCarthy and Stanton Fredericks.
The list goes on. It would be great for schools to partner with different sporting unions to create a community outreach programme from which the youth could benefit. This could have a snowball effect carried on for generations. Implemented in all communities, it may help us get rid of gangsterism, drugs and other antisocial behaviour for good.
MERVYN PILLAY
Durban