SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EMASCULATION AS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO GANGSTERISM ON THE CAPE FLATS

Abstract

Gangsterism has been a part of the communities of the Cape Flats since the estab- lishment of these townships under apartheid laws such as the Group Areas Act (1950) and its “twin partner”, the Population Registration Act (1950). Gangsterism is a systemic phenomenon, rooted in multiple socio-economic and political causes, and it affects the lives of individuals, families and whole communities. This paper looks at two very particular aspects that contribute to the formation and continued existence of gangsterism, namely social and economic emasculation. A gender per- spective provides a different angle that may broaden our understanding of gang formation in a new way. The article also will show how easy it is for leaders of gangs and drug lords to gain authority and power in communities characterised by poverty and unemployment as a result of economic exclusion. Faith communities in general and pastoral carers in particular need a holistic understanding of these and other factors related to gangsterism in order to play any meaningful role in address- ing or eradicating gangsterism.