Promoting Youth Safety and Awareness in Cape Town: An Telephonic Interview with Ben de Vos

 Promoting Youth Safety and Awareness in Cape Town: An Interview with Ben de Vos

This morning on Bush Radio's Morning Cruise, we spoke with Ben de Vos, secretary of the Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum (CPF), about a youth anti-crime programme held on Saturday, June 15, at Hazeldene taxi rank in Portland. Identified as a crime hotspot, this location was perfect for the event.

Reclaiming Public Spaces

“Our goal is to reclaim this public space for the community, especially for our youth,” said Ben de Vos. The event was a collaborative effort involving the Portland Neighbourhood Watch, non-profits like Epic Building, Mosaic, and Amandla Development, as well as the Mitchell’s Plain SAPS and the Department of Correctional Services.

Raising Awareness Among Youth

The programme aimed to educate young people about crime, gangsterism, gender-based violence, and substance abuse. “By providing them with the right information and resources, we empower them to make better choices,” explained de Vos.

Addressing Gangsterism and Substance Abuse

Gangsterism and substance abuse were key focuses. “Gangsterism thrives where young people feel they have no other options. We need to show them better, more constructive paths,” de Vos emphasized. Early education and changing mindsets are crucial in combating these issues.

Celebrating Youth Potential

The event also celebrated the potential and resilience of Mitchell’s Plain’s youth. De Vos shared inspiring stories of young individuals who have made significant strides despite challenging circumstances. “These success stories highlight the power of community support,” he noted.

Looking Ahead

In closing, de Vos called on the broader community to get involved. “Community safety is a collective responsibility. We all have a role to play in ensuring that our young people have the opportunity to thrive,” he concluded.

Join the Movement

At Bush Radio, we are committed to highlighting positive initiatives and encouraging our listeners to take an active role in their communities. For more information on upcoming events and how you can get involved, stay tuned to Bush Radio and follow us on our social media channels. Together, let's build a safer, stronger Cape Town for all.

If you want to contact Ben de Vos :

call : Mr De Vos on 065 240 1496 

email :  cpf.mplain@gmail.com

Presenter : Mkuseli " Khusi " Veto 

Producer : Simon Cogné