Planet Youth: A collaborative approach to tackling crime and supporting young people in the Western Cape

The Western Cape Government has launched its Planet Youth programme on Thursday, July 24, at Mondale High School in Portland, aiming to tackle the rise in serious crime, gangsterism, and substance abuse among young people.

The initiative, spearheaded by Mireille Wenger, the MEC for Health and Wellness, falls under the Violence Prevention Unit of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. Planet Youth aims to empower communities to collaborate in supporting young people to make positive life choices and build brighter futures by fostering safer and healthier environments.

Initially piloted in George in 2023, Planet Youth is now being expanded across the province. The model aims to place the voices of young people at the centre of interventions, enabling them to make positive life choices and build brighter futures.

“This movement is designed to help young people thrive and find happiness. We aim to listen to what they have to say and develop programmes that resonate with their needs,” said Ms Wenger. “Extensive surveys have been conducted across the province, including schools in Mitchell’s Plain. Once we analyse the results, we will work with the government to create programmes that truly matter to them. I hope that we will see many young people becoming active, connected, and vibrant.”

Planet Youth is a collaborative effort between multiple departments of the Western Cape Government—Health and Wellness, Education, Social Development, Cultural Affairs and Sport—as well as research institutions like the University of Cape Town, local municipalities, law enforcement, and community organisations.

Wenger quoted Nelson Mandela in her address: “Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.” She said this inspired the initiative’s commitment to youth development and resilience.

“Each of us has a role to play in building communities that are not only healthier but also safer and more resilient. A vital part of this is empowering our children, parents, and communities with the mental health tools they need to cope, connect, and grow,” she added. “This evidence-based model is a powerful vehicle for change, bringing communities together to prevent harm, promote well-being, and support young people in making healthy choices.”

Planet Youth is based on a prevention model developed in Iceland and is currently implemented in over 19 countries. Gwen Dereymaeker, director of the Western Cape Government’s Violence Prevention Unit, said: “The aim is not to single out individual children but to empower entire communities with meaningful data. This allows for co-designed solutions that build resilience, reduce risk, and strengthen support networks for young people. It’s about listening to their realities and acting together.”

Premier Alan Winde attended the launch and expressed full support for the initiative. Local councillors and police officials from Mitchell’s Plain also voiced their hopes for the programme’s success.

Brigadier Brian Muller, station commander at Mitchell’s Plain police, welcomed the initiative, particularly its focus on early intervention.

“For us as the police service, I believe we are on the right path. Starting with the young ones, we aim to empower them to understand the consequences of their choices,” he said. “We want to help the youth in South Africa, especially in Mitchell’s Plain, where hope seems scarce. When driving through Tafelsig and Beacon Valley, you see children on the streets even during school hours. There appears to be little for them to do and nothing to aspire to. I hope this programme will provide them with a brighter future.”

He added: “When the older generation is no longer here, the youth must take over. I cannot imagine a country led by hopelessness. I urge young people to educate themselves, as the next premier or president could emerge from them or from Mondale High School. I see only positives in this programme. The police will handle law enforcement, while politicians can address social issues.”

In April and May 2025, Planet Youth surveys were conducted among Grade 8 and 9 learners in high schools in Mitchell’s Plain and other high-crime areas of the city, including Atlantis, Athlone, Langa, Philippi, Gugulethu, Hanover Park, Kraaifontein, and Nyanga. Pupils in the West Coast and Garden Route districts also took part.

These areas have formed part of the Western Cape’s area-based safety approach since August 2023, which involves coordinated government and community-led interventions to improve local safety.

More than 50,000 learners from 123 schools across the province participated in the survey. The results, expected in August 2025, will help guide community-driven action plans to address youth risks and support overall well-being.

The government announced that the project is being implemented province-wide. Over 50,000 learners from 123 schools participated in the Planet Youth survey. Results will be available in August 2025 and will guide locally led action plans to address youth risks and enhance well-being.