Langa police and community unite for youth empowerment through sport

In a bid to combat crime and engage the youth of Langa, the local police, in partnership with various community stakeholders, organised a spirited tournament, titled "Sport Against Crime," last Friday June 13.

This event took place amidst growing concerns about crime rates in the village and surrounding areas, bringing together teams from faith organisations, local clubs, and even the South African Police Service (SAPS) to turn the tide on youth disengagement.

Colonel Noxolo Ntshiba, the station commander of Langa police station, said she was satisfied with the community's active involvement in the tournament, highlighting the importance of collaboration in empowering local youth. “We commemorated Youth Day, organised by SAPS and stakeholders, to encourage young people that sport can play a positive role in their lives. The support from local businesses, which provided trophies and refreshments, is commendable as it strengthens the ties between the community and the police,” Colonel Ntshiba said.

When asked about the most pressing crimes in the area, Colonel Ntshiba said there was a prevalence of violent incidents, with alcohol consumption often cited as a contributing factor. Nonetheless, she expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts amongst crime stakeholders and local councillors who help tackle these issues.

Pastor Siyabulela Tshatshu, chairperson of the Langa Spiritual Leaders Fraternity added that there had been an alarming rise of gender-based violence (GBV) in the community. He said the church has become a hub for counselling victims and stressed the importance of instilling values in young men. “We need to teach them to respect themselves and others. Our recent sessions were about empowering young boys ahead of their initiation into manhood,” he said.

He said this initiative signifies a proactive approach to address behaviours before they evolve into harmful patterns.

Beyond raising awareness of GBV, Mr Tshatshu said the tournament was also aimed at driving community development. He said one of the root causes of crime in Langa is poverty and unemployment, and added that there was a need for more beneficial youth programmes. “Many young people are aimless; they’ve dropped out of school or are unemployed. Without motivation or opportunities, these challenges can spiral into crime,” he said, urging for a comprehensive strategy to engage youth in meaningful activities.

Chief Eric Galada, who also attended the event, praised the efforts of Langa police in fostering a supportive environment for the youth. He said: “The police are doing a commendable job working with the community. This collaboration is vital for building trust and creating a safer environment for everyone.”