The ongoing mass shootings and killings in Gugulethu and the surrounding communities are a cause for concern.
The area, which is one of the oldest townships in Cape Town, has been on a knife’s edge with a series of killings in recent months and according to Victor Pike, a mentor for Father A Nation (FAN), the time is now for men to stand up against crime.
In an interview with City Vision, Pike said as an organisation, they are worried about the escalating incidence of crime in the community.
FAN is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that educates men to use their strength to love, serve, protect and provide and be activists against any form of abuse.
Pike appealed to men not to suppress their emotions, saying this fuelled rage.
“What is concerning me the most is that men perpetrate all these incidents to other men. We don’t trust one another. People who are called amaphara are mostly men. We need to change to be better people,” said Pike.
He described the spate of killings as worrisome, saying men cannot fold their arms while the country dies a slow death.
Pike said FAN is there to create a platform for men to open up about their challenges.
“Unemployment, peer pressure, upbringing etc are some of the things that forced them to commit crime. Some commit domestic violence because they feel disrespected based on their unemployment status. Others join gangs because of peer pressure and so on,” said Pike.
As an organisation, he said they are trying to instill cultural values among men.
“There are no role models at all in our societies. Fathers and uncles rape their children. Alcohol and drugs have destroyed many families.
“As a FAN, we are saying let’s unite. It is never too late to change,” he said and urged the community to work with other relevant NGOs to ease the burden on the officers.