Riah Phiyega Urges Proactive Solutions To End Cape Flats Gang Violence

The Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Development Business Trust, Riah Phiyega, has issued a strong call for proactive solutions to curb violent crime in South Africa, with a sharp focus on the Cape Flats, an area plagued by gang-related violence.

Her appeal comes as the region experiences a worrying surge in shootings, gang turf wars, and violent crimes in recent months, leaving communities in fear and despair.

Cape Town Event Puts Spotlight on Women and Children

Phiyega delivered her keynote address at a fundraising event hosted by NGO Ilitha Labantu in Durbanville, Cape Town.

The initiative focused on raising awareness and support for women survivors of abuse and vulnerable children, while also drawing attention to the ongoing violence destabilizing Cape Flats communities.

Riah Phiyega Calls for Education and Proactive Interventions

During her address, Phiyega stressed the importance of tackling the root causes of crime, particularly poor living conditions and lack of access to education.

She stated, “Education is not focused upon. People are living in inhuman circumstances. We should be understanding that through those processes, we are equally contributors to what’s the scourge that we are seeing of crime.

“Yes, police are doing what they are doing to try and intervene. But that is a reactive intervention. We need to start saying what other proactive interventions we need to be looking into.”

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Her remarks emphasise the need for long-term preventative measures—including education, social development, and community upliftment—rather than relying solely on reactive policing.

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