YOUNG people take to the streets to march against crime in their community.
The demonstration, which was held in Samora Machel on Saturday, 14 June followed a prayer gathering by elderly residents the previous day as the entire community united against the violence plaguing their kasi.
Residents said crime has spiralled out of control, with daily reports of robberies, shootings and other violent incidents. Three pupild were shot and killed on their way to school in the past three weeks alone, leaving the community traumatised and desperate for solutions.
Reading a memorandum during the march, Lukhona Somhaya, deputy secretary of Samora Machel Youth Development Forum, called for urgent intervention from authorities.
She highlighted a long list of serious crimes devastating the area, including robberies, car hijackings, assaults, extortion, gang activity and gender-based violence.
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Somhaya also criticised the lack of consistent police presence and poor response times in high-crime areas. She noted that the absence of structured, meaningful activities for young people contributed to drug and substance abuse in the community.
Award-winning DJ Mr Thela, who grew up in Samora Machel, joined the march and encouraged young people to remain focused and committed to their goals.
"Your future depends on your choices. Work hard for what you want. We want doctors, lawyers, nurses from Samora Machel," he said.
Community Policing Forum (CPF) spokesman, Xolani Joja echoed calls for stronger law enforcement.
"The City of Cape Town should deploy trainee law enforcement officers in Samora to increase visibility. I'm also calling on government to train and resource CPF members and neighbourhood watch groups so they can properly support the police," said Joja.
Ward 33 Councillor Lungisa Somdaka praised the youth-led initiative and expressed full support.
"This programme was born out of the pain of watching young people being shot and killed in our streets. Today's march is not the end, we will continue this work. We are planning a united church service next, bringing together all local churches to pray for peace and protection in our kasi," he said.
