Gangsterism and violent crime continue to devastate communities across South Africa. Townships on the outskirts of Newcastle, Blaauwbosch, Lister Farm, Osizweni and Madadeni, are increasingly bearing the brunt of this crisis.

In response, artists and community leaders are coming together to launch a powerful grassroots initiative through the Artists Against Gangsterism and Social Ills Festival.

More than a one-day arts event, the festival marks the official launch of a community-driven awareness and action campaign. It uses art as a tool to confront violence, mobilise residents and advocate for long-term solutions to gangsterism and social ills.

This is personal

The festival was founded by Newcastle-based filmmaker Mfanafuthi Mthethwa, whose life has been directly affected by escalating violence.

A resident of Blaauwbosch with close ties to Lister Farm, Mthethwa was inspired to act after his brother was brutally attacked by gang members.

He was further affected when a close female friend was fatally assaulted and left in nearby bushes.

“These are the places we grew up loving, but today they are spaces of fear,” says Mthethwa. “This festival is our way of saying enough is enough. Art gives us a voice when violence tries to silence us.”

The Artists Against Gangsterism and Social Ills Festival will bring together theatre practitioners, poets, musicians, traditional dancers and visual artists.

Aspiring new hope

Their work speaks directly to lived experiences of violence, trauma, resilience and hope.

Alongside performances, the programme will include panel discussions involving community leaders, social practitioners and government stakeholders.

These sessions aim to create meaningful dialogue around youth vulnerability, community safety, healing and prevention.

Festival director Zama kaMafikeni Msibi describes the initiative as a reclaiming of both public space and community narrative.

“This is about changing the story of our communities,” says Msibi. “We are launching a movement that places creativity, dialogue and collective responsibility at the centre of social change.”

By hosting the festival in Blaauwbosch, one of the areas most affected by recent violence, organisers are intentionally placing the conversation where it matters most, within the community itself.

The event is open and accessible, and community members, youth, parents and local leaders are encouraged to attend and participate.

The festival aligns with broader goals of crime prevention, youth development, social cohesion and cultural development.

Organisers are calling on local government, civil society and the private sector to support community-led responses to violence.

Event details

• Event: Artists Against Gangsterism and Social Ills Festival
• Date: January 31
• Time: From 09:00 until late
• Venue: Blaauwbosch, Newcastle
• Communities represented: Blaauwbosch, Lister Farm, Osizweni, Madadeni

Media contact

Artists Against Gangsterism and Social Ills Festival

• Contact person: Senzeni Mlambo
• Email: senzenishlangu65@gmail.com
• Phone: 073 723 6443
• Social media: Facebook

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel