72% of West Rand children report witnessing crime, study finds

Over the past 12 months, the Khulisa Social Solutions’ School Holiday Programme has reached 1 404 children in high-risk communities across the West Rand, with detailed impact data collected from 647 participants aged nine to 17.

Alarmingly, 72% of these children reported witnessing crime in their communities, highlighting the reality that many young people are growing up in environments marked by violence, instability and risk.

Khulia Social Solution is an NPO dedicated to building social cohesion and resilience in vulnerable communities

According to the founder and managing director, Lesley Ann van Selm, these findings point to a deeper systemic challenge: The lack of safe, structured facilities and programmes in vulnerable communities continues to expose children to crime and harmful social influences.

“This risk is particularly heightened during school holidays, when the absence of supervision and constructive activities increases the likelihood of children being drawn into unsafe environments, including gangsterism, substance abuse and negative peer pressure,” Van Selm said.

She added that without access to structured interventions, many children indicated they would otherwise spend their time unsupervised – either at home, on mobile devices, or socialising in settings that increase their exposure to crime.

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Van Selm explained that the programme addresses this gap by replacing unstructured time with supervised, development-focused activities that promote safety, resilience, and positive behaviour.

“Using methodologies such as dialogue circles, narrative therapy, and experiential learning, the programme creates space for children to reflect on their lived experiences while building the skills needed to navigate complex social realities,” she continued.

For Van Selm, the impact is clearly measurable:

• 92% reported a positive impact from dialogue circles and role-playing sessions
• 88% showed improvement in communication and public speaking
• 81% improved in reflective practices such as journaling
• 100% experienced a positive impact through appreciative inquiry processes

Additional real-time evaluation data from a March dialogue circle with participants aged 11 to 16 further reinforces these outcomes:

• 100% indicated a need for programmes of this nature in their community
• 100% reported feeling safe, heard, and able to share without judgment
• 100% experienced increased empathy, social connection, and a sense of belonging
• 100% reported gaining tools to help others and navigate their environment
• 86% to 100% agreed that sessions were well-structured, useful, and clearly facilitated
• Satisfaction levels were consistently high, with most participants rating facilitators, venues, and the overall experience as “satisfied” or “very satisfied”

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Van Selm continued that qualitative feedback also points to meaningful behavioural and cognitive shifts.

Participants reported learning to resist negative peer influence, show respect for authority figures, and better understand risks such as bullying, sexual harassment, and gangsterism.
“Many expressed that the sessions helped them ‘know better’, make safer choices, and build healthier relationships,” she said.

However, the findings also highlight an urgent need for sustained and expanded investment.

“Many communities still lack the facilities, resources, and coordinated support required to effectively protect children. Without continued funding and infrastructure development, there is a significant risk that children may return to unsafe environments, potentially reversing the progress achieved,” Van Selm concluded.