In 1999 a spate of terrorist attacks and gang warfare in the Cape Peninsula resulted in several children, some as young as four years, being killed in the crossfire. In the rural communities of South Africa many young people are bored and lack recreational facilities. It is speculated that this may explain why alcohol abuse figures and crime among young people have increased. Many young people are being killed or violently attacked at shebeens and pubs in townships all over the country. The greater percentage of South Africa's youth under these conditions faces a very uncertain future.
People are anxious and looking for solutions.
Most youth workers, of whom I am one, have been diligently conferencing with young people, government and other stake holders trying to come to an agreement on the best way to solve these dilemmas. I think what we have done thus far is significant and commendable. The benefit of working with young people on a full time basis is that you sometimes happen to catch a glimpse of change you are rarely aware of when you are involved in ad hoc interventions. I have witnessed self-indulgent youth from different townships transform and spend their school vacations volunteering at different community based holiday initiatives. I have also witnessed prejudices subside when these young people regularly spend time helping at a school for children with special needs.