How young leaders in Manenberg are tackling crime together
Manenberg youth take the lead, as SAPS and City officials commit to turning dialogue into action on crime, education and opportunity.
Image: Supplied
A youth-led initiative in Manenberg is gaining traction, with community leaders, police and the City of Cape Town pledging to turn young people’s concerns into concrete action.
On Monday, March 16, Junior Mayor Michael Bam and Deputy Junior Mayor Matt Kriel met with South African Police Service (SAPS) officials in Manenberg to formally hand over a document compiled by local youth. The document captures the challenges facing young people in the area, along with proposed grassroots solutions.
The meeting follows a youth dialogue held on February 25, where participants outlined socio-economic pressures, crime, substance abuse and lack of opportunities as key issues affecting the community.
SAPS Manenberg said the intention is to move beyond discussion and translate the document into a structured, operational social crime prevention plan.
Officials stressed that the dialogue should not be a once-off engagement, but part of an ongoing process aimed at delivering measurable outcomes. The plan is expected to integrate input from young people into policing strategies and broader community interventions.
Junior Mayor Bam said the initiative recognises young people as active contributors to change rather than passive victims of their environment.
“This is about ensuring their voices are not only heard but backed by local government and law enforcement,” he said, adding that he is committed to supporting the project beyond his official role.
Brigadier Naidoo said the partnership could strengthen collaboration between SAPS and community policing forums at local and district level.
He added that tackling crime and poverty requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, mentorship, and community support to encourage better career choices among young people.
Western Cape district CPF chairperson Shamiela Schalk also backed the initiative, saying it must deliver tangible benefits for the youth of Manenberg and help them rise above their circumstances.
Youth Desk representative Estwynn Malgas highlighted the importance of empowering youth structures within SAPS to act as a bridge between law enforcement and the community, ensuring that safety initiatives remain youth-led and relevant.
Local SAPS sector managers are expected to continue engaging with stakeholders and communities as the plan is developed and implemented, with a focus on building trust and awareness.
Among the key priorities identified are reducing violence, substance abuse and gender-based violence, while promoting education and creating pathways to opportunity.
Deputy Junior Mayor Kriel said issues such as maths literacy in schools would also be raised at junior council level, arguing that education standards must support long-term development rather than limit learners’ potential.
Stakeholders say the initiative marks the beginning of a longer-term partnership aimed at reshaping Manenberg through sustained collaboration between youth, government and law enforcement.