YOUTHS IN GANGS ON THE CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: PARENTS TALK BUT WHO LISTENS?

Authors

  • Glynnis Dykes University of the Western Cape
  • Ronel Sanet Davids University of the Western Cape
  • Uwarren September University of the Western Cape

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15270/61-2-1244

Keywords:

family, gang, interventions, parents, school, youth

Abstract

The appeal of gang membership to young people is an ongoing concern, especially for social workers serving affected communities. This article is part of a larger research study (2016-2018) by social work students. These are the findings of the 2017 study on the perceptions of parents or caregivers about the allure of gang membership to young people. A qualitative approach, utilising an exploratory research design, was employed. The necessary ethics approval from the institution was obtained for data collection. Individual interviews were conducted with 325 parents on the Cape Flats in the Western Cape. Six themes emerged from a thematic data analysis, such as socio-political causes and effects, the role of parents and family, as well as interventions and role players. Key findings show that parents do reflect on what happens in communities, but their opinions do not always count for interventions and policies. Policy and justice issues require considerable thought as they frame the world in which people live and are intended to ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard. Community participation and professional intervention should be a reflection of the role of marginalisation and powerlessness.

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Author Biographies

Glynnis Dykes, University of the Western Cape

Department of Social Work

Ronel Sanet Davids, University of the Western Cape

Department of Social Work

Uwarren September , University of the Western Cape

Department of Social Work

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Published

2025-06-13

How to Cite

Dykes, G. ., Davids, R. S., & September , U. (2025). YOUTHS IN GANGS ON THE CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: PARENTS TALK BUT WHO LISTENS? . Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 61(2), 318–336. https://doi.org/10.15270/61-2-1244

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