Interfaith leaders unite against Cape Flats violence
From left are Canon Matthew Esau, Sayed Aftab Haider, Reverend Franklin Williams, Reverend Dr Llewellyn MacMaster and Dr Rashied Omar at the interfaith meeting on Thursday September 19.
Image: Marsha Bothma
An interfaith meeting was convened this week in response to the ongoing spate of crime and violence across the Cape Flats.
Faith leaders, community representatives, and residents gathered on Thursday, September 18, at the town centre Mosque to address the impact of gang activity and to seek collective solutions.
The event ended with a prayer vigil in front of Mitchell's Plain police station, for the lives lost and those affected by crime.
Ben De Vos, independent criminologist and community activist, said crime and violence continue to escalate in communities despite ongoing interventions. He highlighted the importance of partnerships between faith-based organisations, residents, and government structures.
Pictured on the mic is Linda Jones, court watch for Mitchell's Plain United Resident's Association (MURA) speaking at the prayer vigil infront of the Mitchell's Plain police station.
Image: Marsha Bothma
“This gathering shows we are committed to finding solutions. We cannot remain silent while lives are being lost,” he said.
Reverend Dr Llewellyn Macmaster, chairperson of the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition, said the faith sector plays a central role in the fight against gangsterism and drugs.
“Prayer alone will not solve the problem. We need active partnerships across communities, law enforcement, and government. The Cape Crime Crisis Coalition is committed to strengthening collaboration through the Mitchell’s Plain Safety and Development Plan so that real change can be achieved,” he said.
Singing the song 'Something inside so strong,' was Thami Baba and playing guitar was Mansoor Jaffer.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Guest speaker Archbishop Dr Thabo Jacobs spoke about the conditions that fuel violence in Mitchell’s Plain.
He said unemployment, poverty, and drugs are key drivers of gangsterism.
“If young people have no opportunities, gangs will recruit them. We know this story too well,” he said.
Dr. Jacobs said solutions must focus on empowerment.
“The answer is not just to highlight the problems. We must create skills programmes, jobs, and hope for our youth. That is how the cycle will be broken,” he said.
Putting down a rose for the lives lost was Fatima Swartz resident of Mitchell's Plain and representative of the Institute for the Healing of Memories non-governmental organisation.
Image: Marsha Bothma
A Tafelsig father Francois Swartz, spoke at the gathering following the rape and murder of his daughter, Claire Swartz, 29, mother to a 13-year-old son.
He called for justice and urged that the alleged perpetrators not be granted bail after a court hearing on Thursday, September 18. He also expressed gratitude to the neighbourhood watch for their support.
Bishop Mark Bloemstein recalled a recent drive-by shooting near his church in which three people died ("Three men killed in Westridge drive-by shooting" Plainsman September 19).
“We heard the gunshots and the screaming of a woman. It was a rude awakening,” he said.
“The Lord has brought us together in this darkness.” Mr Bloemstein said gatherings such as the interfaith meeting supported broader plans, including the Mitchell’s Plain Safety and Development Plan, by giving communities a voice, ("Mitchell’s Plain Safety and Development Forum to be formed with community-led criteria" Plainsman September 10; "Mitchell’s Plain safety plan moves forward with community input" Plainsman August 27 and "Stakeholders to refine Mitchell’s Plain safety plan ahead of budget deadline" Plainsman August 16).