WESSELTON – Some residents in the area recently held a community meeting at Ithafa Secondary School to raise their concerns on the issue of youth unemployment and the increasing crime rate.

The meeting, called by the local community forum in Ward 7, was mostly attended by young people from the area, and allowed residents to voice their grievances.

According to one community forum member, Nkosinathi Mthombeni, the issue of gangsterism and the escalating crime rate might be a result of youth unemployment and the difficulties that young people encounter in finding jobs.

“Young people are hungry for opportunities and want to earn a living. It is hard that we keep on applying for jobs but are never hired,” Mthombeni said.

The residents are calling on Msukaligwa Local Municipality to implement skill development programmes that will enable them to qualify for more employment opportunities.

He said the area has a lot of young people who are qualified for jobs, but are never hired.

When it comes to the issue of crime and gangsterism in the area, the residents are calling on police members to increase visibility in the area and for the law to be harsh on perpetrators.

“We are totally against gangsterism and having young people being affiliated with such gangs. These acts have the potential of ruining their future, and while we fight for a place in the work industry, it will be more difficult for a young person who was previously associated with crime to find employment.”