Children’s experience of violence in Philippi: 'Every month there is death'

"Life in Philippi is brutal... every month there is death."

South African novelist and long-time chronicler of Cape Town’s social landscape, Andrew Brown, has a new book out called All about Philippi.

On a visit to a school there to talk about personal safety, he received a series of handwritten letters from the Grade 7s about their lives. 

"The moment I started reading them I just felt... it can't just be put away somewhere or forgotten – that I have to do something to honour their writing, and to honour what they'd said."

Brown also wanted to use these letters to inspire others, and for adults to see how brutalised these children are.

"It just keeps coming up... the extent to which life is so cheap, and the extent to which gangsters are ruling the roost."

Brown was touched by how many of the letters voiced concern for his safety, and he sensed a shameful awareness of where they are living. But there was also hope in many of the letters.

"They're trying to be positive, they're trying to be children... but they can't."

He was inspired to include some of the letters in his book, and copies of the book were given to all who contributed. It is intended to be distributed free of charge.

To listen to Andrew Brown in conversation with CapeTalk’s John Maytham, use the audio player below: