Government's plan to combat gangsterism amd drugs

By Odette Ismail
23 May 2007

Premier Ebrahim Rasool yesterday indicated that R50 000 will be pumped into 15 priority areas by October to fight the battle in drugs and crime which are prevalent in the areas.

Rasool says however that these interventions are more than just addressing the problems of gangs and drugs but that it is about building social capital.

“Linking social capital provides the space for individuals and communities to connect with the formal institutions of society.” says Rasool.

Meanwhile schools will see the deployment of school safety offices to the 109 schools most vulnerable to gangs and violence. This will start in Bishop Lavis, Elsies River, Gugulethu, Delft, Kleivlei, Philippi, Manenberg, Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Mitchells’ plain.

Career guidance, school alarms connected to armed response and 3000 learnerships as well as the building of four new rehabilitation centres.

This will be allocated in Kraaifontein, in the South East Metro, Vredenberg and in Oudtshoorn.

“By October this department will begin to provide alternatives to young people to answer to the complaint that youth turn to drugs and gangs in the absence of alternatives.” says Rasool.

He announced interventions into the 15 areas where sport in schools and communities will be promoted and integrated.