UWC hosts seminar to root out gangsterism in WC

University of the Western Cape (UWC) rector Robert Balfour said that universities can play an important role in the fight against gang violence.

As gang-related shootings continue unabated in the Cape, the university hosted a one-day seminar aimed at confronting gangsterism and social dysfunction in the province.

The event brought together civil society leaders, clerics, government, police, academics and affected communities.

Balfour opened the seminar, saying the impact of gang violence could no longer be ignored. 

He added that institutions of higher learning had a responsibility to help shape sustainable solutions.

The seminar was expected to examine the state of the criminal justice system, the effects of gangsterism on young people, and the response of government and law enforcement.

Balfour said: “This is not one institution’s problem. This is not one community’s problem. It's our collective challenge to address".

The panel of experts at the seminar included Cape Crime Crisis Coalition chairperson Llewellyn MacMaster, criminologist Irvin Kinnes, and retired top cop Jeremy Vearey.