The township of Wentworth on Durban’s southern flank is in the national spotlight for the wrong reasons – the perennial problems of gangsters, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying and youth crime.
After the historically longstanding social issues and woes was broadcast on national TV, the provincial government, the local police precinct and the community have come together to work out a better life for the long-suffering residents of an apartheid-era bordered by Merebank, Merewent, Bluff and Jacobs.
Grinding unemployment, poverty and social restlessness – especially among jobless young adults – has created worsening socio-economic conditions for Wentworth.
The critical pillars of society – including prisons and anti-crime lobby groups – came together to empower the community against gangsterism and bullying.
This action follows a spate of violent incidents reported in the sprawling township.
Now, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development deployed officials to meet the community and police during an educational session on anti-gangsterism and bullying – which included schoolchildren and parents as part of social crime prevention and support for the south basin area last week.
Departmental spokeman Mhlabunzima Memela said: “The programme deals with reducing the rate of children and youth committing crime in Wentworth and surrounding areas. It also aims to empower youth with information about the consequences of crime and alternatives to make better choices in life through awareness campaigns and life skills.’’
The department’s crime prevention programme looks at how communities can break the cycle of crime and violence by strengthening the family structure.”
The other stakeholders that added value to the fight against socials ills were the Department of Correctional Services, South African Police Services, Nicro, Sanca and Famsa.
