Drugs, gangsterism, crime and unemployment are the biggest ills hurting Heideveld’s next generation.
That was the message from youth who attended a fun day in the neighbourhood on Saturday.
Organised by members of the Manenberg Youth Desk, the day started with a prayer circle between Elsa and Fiona courts and continued until noon with sports, motivational speakers, and games.
Manenberg Youth Desk’s Meagen Ohlson said gangsterism and drugs infiltrated the council flats quickly and children living there needed the most help.
Heideveld residents were tired of crime, parents were often unable to help their at-risk children and children were not motivated to finish school because there were no jobs, she said.
Children and young people should get off the streets and do something with their lives, said Ms Ohlson.
“We are burying way too many young people… The youth are looking for love they don’t have in their houses, in the gangs. We had people helping us when we were younger, stopping us doing the wrong things, so now it’s our turn to help. We want them to do something with their lives.”
The fun day would be a monthly event in various courts in Heideveld and Manenberg, she said.
“The courts are where our heart lies. We want them to know that we care. We want to help the young people. The more we do it, the more we can reach out and let youth know that they can come to us for assistance. We are trying to show them that there is hope, especially those sitting on the corners.”
Aiden Hendricks, 16, from Heideveld, said drug abuse, gangsterism and crime posed big problems for young people, who needed good role models.
“Sport is something that can distract them. They should join the youth and come to church. Events like this help a lot,” he said.
Jodie Fredericks, 17, said gangsterism was rife in the area, including at schools.
“It really isn’t a normal thing, it is so bad. People are not safe here outside, especially the youngsters. Drugs are really brainwashing the youngsters. I have had an amazing experience at youth so far. I feel like I can be free,” she said.
