Two local researchers have proposed a three-month community-led safety initiative in a bid to address Alexandra’s persistent challenges with contact crime, gender-based violence, and gang recruitment.

Lerato Mopasi and Charles Mphephu submitted the proposal for the community-based crime and violence reduction project, which aims to strengthen local responses through dialogue, youth empowerment, and direct community engagement to the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR).

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Mopasi said Alexandra continues to grapple with elevated levels of contact crime, gender-based violence, and the recruitment of young people into gangs. He added that the problems are worsened by low levels of trust in formal safety structures and fragmented efforts among residents.

Mopasi and Mphephu’s proposed project seeks to address these issues through localised, participatory interventions that empower residents and strengthen collaboration between communities and authorities.
He noted that the programme is intended to feature several components.

Central to the effort are community safety dialogues, monthly forums that will bring together community stakeholders, including residents, councillors, police officers, Community Policing Forum (CPF) members, and youth leaders. “These stakeholders will map hotspots and develop local safety action plans.”

According to Mopasi, a youth peace ambassadors programme will train 20 young people, aged 18 to 25, as peer mediators and mentors.

“These ambassadors will deliver conflict resolution and anti-gang messaging in schools and churches throughout June.”

Also read: Youth event breaks GBV silence in Alexandra

To provide positive alternatives for young residents and foster social cohesion, Mopasi revealed that the project plans six weekend safe spaces and sports engagement events between July and August.
These gatherings will combine sports, indigenous games, and cultural activities to engage youth constructively, steering many away from negative influences.

Additionally, Mopasi noted that information and referral drives will see teams conducting door-to-door outreach to more than 500 households. Residents will receive materials detailing how to report crimes and access support services for gender-based violence.

Mopasi is hopeful about the potential impact of the initiative.

“There will be improved communication between residents and the police or CPF, reduced youth-on-youth violence, engagement of over 300 youth in positive activities, and increased use of reporting and support services.”

He said that once the proposal receives approval, they will finalise a memorandum of understanding with CSVR and commence implementation within one week.

The first community safety dialogue is set for June 4 at the Alex Sankopano Community Centre.

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