Breaking the cycle of violence, drugs

CIVIL society groups and officials from social development joined Community Safety MEC Dan Plato to engage the Hanover Park community on safety issues.

Women2Women, SA Society of Hope, Evangelical Mission Church, Afrosapien Entertainment, Hanover Park Women’s Development Forum and Philippi police took part in yesterday’s walkabout following a spate of child murders on the Cape Flats – of which four took place in Hanover Park in the last month alone.

“This is an opportunity for life changes” said Jacky Solomons, mother of 15-yearold Dorian who was shot dead three weeks ago. Dorian was 11 when his 17-year-old brother was shot dead. Twelve years ago, Solomons’ husband was shot dead in Bonteheuwel. Dorian is survived by his mother, older brother, 27, and younger brother, 11.

Solomons is determined to follow a path of healing by going for counselling and encouraging other mothers to.

“I want to see them help change others’ lives before it’s too late. Something good can come out of this because our youngsters are either dying or going to jail. There’s no job opportunity. They stand the whole day, the gangsters drive by and shoot,” she said.

This is the MEC’s fourth visit to the area this year where he has helped initiate the “walking bus ladies” who escort pupils to school to keep them safe.

“I was here two weeks ago with turf shooting. Intervention is ongoing. It’s difficult to get everywhere. I promise to come back soon,” said Plato.

He stated that he wants to visit Hanover Park “block by block”, adding it’s the first time he’s heard mothers say that they are afraid of their children.

“There needs to be an integrated approach and actions to situations, otherwise it’s senseless,” said Women’s Forum chairperson Muriel George.

The MEC walked about Hanover Park speaking mostly to young men and mothers. Denise Bailey spoke about her 24-year-old son who is unemployed. She said: “Gangsterism starts as they are reluctant because of something in the family. They are waiting for the community. They need to know that we are there for them.

“We are assisting in partnership with SA Society of Hope with women and empower- ment, leadership and youth development. We are enrolling them at Northlink and hope to enrich their lives through education.

“We do upliftment and scout talent by giving them platforms. We have so much talent,” said Gabriela Wiener of Afrosapien Entertainment.

Pastor Bruce van Eerden, of the Evangelical Mission Church, invites people who want to get out of gangsterism and drugs to get involved in the discussion.

“We have support systems for people who are affected by the scourge of substance abuse,” he said.

“We are here to spread awareness of hope for the community and present alternatives to the lifestyle of drugs and crime. We do have opportunities,” Van Eerden added.

“The parents are in danger. Our mothers need help and our social systems are messed up,” said Shireen Majiet from Howick Court.

Kiyaam Matthews, 19, was one of the many youths who made use of the information tables set up by the MEC for the day. Matthews, who wants to be a clothing designer, dropped out of Groenvlei High School in 2014.

“I don’t worry about what’s happening in the area. I just focus on my thing,” he said.

PICTURES: BHEKI RADEBE Western Cape MEC of Safety Dan Plato during his extensive safety outreach in Hanover Park.

Plato talks to youngsters during his visit.