Following outbreaks of violence between youth gangs in Manenberg on Cape Flats, a pilot project was launched to encourage young men to choose a positive life path.
The project kicked off over the weekend when the first group of 18 boys aged 10 to 18 attended a camp at the Chrysalis Academy. Alderman JP Smith, a member of the Major Committee for Safety and Security, reported that his department received numerous complaints about violent fights involving stone-throwing in Manenberg in December 2025.
The city's CCTV systems recorded over 300 such incidents over an eighteen-month period. During their stay at the camp, the boys received free haircuts.
According to Smith, these aggressive clashes led to serious consequences, including murders and attempted murders. Investigations revealed that teenagers had formed youth gangs and participated in skirmishes marking their 'territories'. An interdepartmental working group was established to address this issue, comprising various stakeholders.
The Safety and Security Department funded the camp as part of the College of Public Safety Youth Cadet Program. During the camp, each child was also assigned a male mentor—either a Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officer or a resource officer from the law enforcement school.
Smith noted that the mentors shared advice and practical experience, showing the young people how to be strong without resorting to anger, violence, or substance abuse.
The pilot project was initiated by the Directorate of Safety and Security under Alderman JP Smith. He stated that the culmination of the camp was the boys taking an oath to abandon gangs and begin rebuilding their lives.
Smith added: 'It was moving to see the dedication of the participants. Teams will evaluate the key outcomes later to determine the next steps.'
During the camp, the boys underwent a series of assessments, which included drug testing, medical check-ups, and individual counseling with social workers from the Department of Children's Affairs. The group also engaged in various physical exercises, as well as group and self-development sessions aimed at demonstrating an alternative lifestyle.
Senior officials from Safety and Security conducted motivational talks, featuring law enforcement chief Jason Hamilton, who grew up in Manenberg, and a survivor who sustained serious head injuries during a clash, sharing his recovery and departure from gangs with the group.
Smith thanked everyone for their support: 'We could not have done this without the support of the directorate and sponsors such as the Chrysalis Academy, Police Oversight and Public Safety, the Deputy Mayor's office, and Boyz to Menz Hair Studio, which provided haircuts to all participants. While it may seem like a small gesture, it is a step that shows these young men that they are worthy of and capable of much more.'