Tafelsig East Neighbourhood Watch raising awareness on youth unemployment impacts

With South Africa’s youth unemployment rate at 45.5% in the first quarter of 2024, well above the national average of 32.9%, the Tafelsig East Neighbourhood Watch marked Youth Day on Monday, June 16, by hosting a Unity Day at the Louise Street and Lillian Street park in Tafelsig to raise awareness, promote positive alternatives and support youth development.

The event was attended by more than 200 young people.

Stella Cornelissen, chairperson of Tafelsig East Neighbourhood Watch said many of the young people are affected by their parents’ struggles with drug abuse and other issues.

“We want them to know that there are people who care and want to help.” The event provided a rare positive space where youth could feel supported amid ongoing social difficulties.”

Lydon Matthews, project coordinator at Tafelsig East Neighbourhood Watch, said gang violence and schooling challenges impact them.

“We live in one community, but different corners are controlled by gangs. Many children aren’t attending their nearest schools because they weren’t accepted.” 

This situation perpetuates inequality and limits young people’s ability to access quality education and employment pathways, he said.

Joseph Williams, 68, founder of the J&A Community Cadets based in Tafelsig, said his group provides young people with structure, discipline, and hope. 

“This gives young people something to belong to. Many of our cadets have gone on to careers in the Navy, Air Force, and healthcare. Without programs like this, many kids get left behind. It’s about more than just keeping them off the streets - it’s showing them what’s possible.”

René Daniels, a social worker at Mitchell’s Plain Community Health Centre (MPCHC), said events like this create a sense of community and connect young people to services that can help them move forward.

Sister Valerie Kruger, a clinical nurse practitioner working in school health services at MPCHC, said they provide vital health education during such events, empowering youth to take responsibility for their well-being.

Sport also plays a positive role, said Mushfeekah Presence from the Barcelona-Vipers Sports Club.

“We started in 2020, catering to youth and seniors. Events like this are important to the community. Sport helps combat gangsterism and drug abuse by showing better ways to spend time.”

Among the attendees, Nuhaa Davids, 13, said: “We face crime every day, but being at the park was refreshing. I hope there will be opportunities for me after school.” 

Tasneem Hamilton, 26, a mother of two from Tafelsig, commented, “Usually this park is a place for drug abuse and disrespect. Today it was different - good for the children.”

Businessman Rozario Brown, director of Cycle of Life, said youth from Mitchell’s Plain are eager to work and grow but face obstacles due to under-resourced schools and a lack of mentorship.

“We create jobs for hundreds at events, but funding inconsistency limits permanent opportunities. Businesses have a moral obligation to invest in youth development. Supporting young people strengthens communities and builds a stable society. It’s an investment in the future, not charity," she said.

Michael Jacobs, chairperson of the Mitchell’s Plain United Residents Association (MURA), said youth unemployment is a pressing issue.

“Programs like RLabs offer online study and skills training, and free travel initiatives assist job seekers. However, sustainable employment opportunities remain scarce for young graduates. Events like this promote collaboration and provide access to beneficial services.”

Professor Shantelle Weber from the faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University said many youth face barriers like admission criteria based on income or address.

“NPOs compete for limited funding, and many youth work in outsourced call centres that don’t offer long-term growth or ownership. We must support youth-led businesses and scale local creative economies.”

The Unity Day event also featured services from the Mustrafin Feeding Scheme Foundation, South African Police Service (SAPS), Gender-Based Violence and Victim Support teams, social crime prevention units, and local leaders.