Turning Young People Away From Gangs and Into Jobs
Young people want three things: purpose, belonging, and a path to success. When they can't find these through school or work, they might turn to gangs. In South Africa, more than 60% of young people aged 15-24 are unemployed. This makes them easy targets for gangs, which offer money, status, and a sense of belonging.
Why Young People Join Gangs
Gangs fill the gap left by a lack of jobs and opportunities. They provide income and identity, especially during school holidays when many young people lose structure and support. Nearly one in five South African children lives without both parents, making them even more vulnerable.
What the Government Is Doing
The Western Cape government is working to create better options. They have several programs to help young people:
- Chrysalis Academy – teaches life skills and job readiness.
- YearBeyond – gives young people work experience in schools and communities.
- Planet Youth – surveys students to understand risks and protective factors.
- MOD Centres – provide safe after-school activities like sports and arts.
- School Holiday Programmes – keep young people busy and safe during breaks.
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) – creates thousands of entry-level jobs in call centres and support services.
How You Can Benefit
If you are a young person looking for work or training, these programs could help. They offer skills, experience, and sometimes a salary while you learn. The government also gives transport vouchers to help you get to interviews. The key is to stay in touch with local youth centres or check online for opportunities.
Remember, gangs are not the only option. There are programs designed to help you succeed. You can have purpose, belonging, and a real job.
This article was originally published on Daily Maverick.
