The University of the Western Cape will bring together community leaders, government officials and academics to tackle the province’s escalating gang violence problem.
A one-day seminar, titled “Gangsterism and Social Dysfunction”, will take place on Wednesday 18 March from 08:30 to 17:00 at UWC’s School of Public Health.
Organised by UWC’s Jaap Durand Chair and Research Chair in Gender, Transformation and Worldmaking, in partnership with the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition, the event aims to address the roots and consequences of gang violence that continues to plague Western Cape communities.
Prof Hein Willemse, inaugural holder of the Jaap Durand Chair, said the university could not ignore the devastating impact of gang violence on families and communities across the province.
“The university cannot stand by whilst this scourge disrupts the lives of our people. The Chair seeks to serve as a focal point, bringing together diverse role players to deepen our understanding of the crisis and to think strategically about sustainable solutions,” Willemse said.
Crisis reaches war zone levels
The seminar comes at a time when gang-related violence and organised crime frequently dominate headlines, with rising numbers of violent deaths reported across the province.
Rev Dr Llewellyn MacMaster, chair of the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition, emphasised that gang violence was a systemic problem rooted in deeper social issues.
“It is rooted in poverty, unemployment, entrenched social inequalities, and historical conditions. Gangsterism inflicts deep trauma and instability on our communities, and innocent residents are too often caught in the crossfire. We have previously called for a provincial state of disaster because the situation in some areas resembles a war zone,” MacMaster said.
Breaking down silos for solutions
Prof Karin van Marle, UWC’s Research Chair in Gender, Transformation and Worldmaking, stressed the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the crisis.
“Gang violence is a complex and multifaceted problem that cannot be reduced to a law-and-order issue. This seminar provides a platform to interrogate our assumptions, confront competing interests, and begin breaking down the silos that prevent more effective, collaborative responses,” Van Marle said.
The programme will examine the state of the criminal justice system, the impact of gangsterism on young people and communities, and responses from government and law enforcement agencies.
Open to public participation
The seminar will bring together representatives from civil society organisations, faith communities, government, police, academia and affected communities.
Community leaders from affected areas, policymakers, law enforcement officials, academics, researchers, students and members of the public are invited to attend.
Whilst seating is limited, organisers encourage participation from anyone concerned about gangsterism and willing to contribute to constructive dialogue.
The seminar is free to attend.
Event details:
- Date: Wednesday 18 March
- Time: 08:30 to 17:00
- Venue: School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape
- Enquiries: Lloyd Chetty at drt-reltheo@uwc.ac.za
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