Breaking cycles of crime and drug abuse by nurturing hope and improving opportunities

Addressing drugs and crime particularly in low income communities, requires a holistic, people-centred approach that tackles the underlying causes of social instability — not just the symptoms. Poverty, unemployment, lack of access to education, trauma, and broken family systems are often at the root of substance abuse and criminal activity. The municipal landfill is no exception to this, and reports of criminal activity, drug use and intimidation have come forward over the past few years.

It is important to emphasis that while poverty and unemployment are breeding grounds for criminal activity and drug abuse, the poor and unemployment are not as a community criminals and drug users.

It is essential that we do not equate poverty with criminality, and bear in mind the criminal injustices perpetrated by the moderately and ultra rich daily.

The landfill is on the outskirts of the town and of society. This can became a hotspot of criminal activity if adequate resources are not allocated.

Addressing social instability among waste picker communities

Waste pickers have reported a struggle to access basic public services, whether its because of logistics (transport), ID documents (theft, fire, loss) or hesitance due to past treatments. Drug abuse (particularly of more physically addicting substances) is a complex medical issue. Any intervention must begin with providing access to basic services such as healthcare, education, social work support, and mental health care. For example, we aim to have Department of Health mobile clinics, NGOs, Rhodes service learning programmes and other services to support interventions that we implement with waste pickers.

A necessary way to reduce crime and drug use is by investing in youth development and education. In many informal communities, young people are surrounded by violence and drug activity with few alternatives. Establishing youth hubs or safe community spaces can provide after-school programmes, sports, arts, mentorship, and life skills training. These spaces should be co-created with youth themselves to ensure relevance and build a sense of ownership. When young people feel connected, supported, and hopeful about their future, they are far less likely to be drawn into crime or substance abuse. At the moment, many children fall through the cracks between these support structures because they are not regularly attending school or do not have present guardians. These youth need more interventions to support the existing committed NGO community.

At the same time, job creation and skills development are critical. Without real economic opportunities, especially for youth and returning offenders, cycles of crime and drug use tend to repeat. Local government and NGOs can partner to offer short-term training programmes, access to micro-grants or tools for small businesses, and support for cooperatives and informal enterprises. Even basic trades like construction, plumbing, hairdressing, recycling, or food vending can become viable pathways out of poverty if people are supported with the right resources.

Mental health and trauma are often overlooked, yet they are central to understanding addiction and violence in informal communities. Many residents — especially women, children, and those involved in crime, carry unresolved trauma from abuse, displacement, or family breakdown. This is a system-wide crisis that makes its necessary to embed community-based mental health care and trauma-informed support systems into schools, clinics, churches, and youth programmes so we can begin to heal some of these wounds and reduce the emotional triggers that lead to drug use or violent behaviour.

Local residents, including youth, women, and informal leaders, must be involved in shaping safety interventions. Community forums, neighbourhood watch groups, and local safety audits can help develop context-specific solutions. When people feel heard and empowered, they are more likely to take collective responsibility for safety and social wellbeing.

Addressing drugs and crime in informal communities is not about more policing but about building a foundation of support, opportunity, and trust. Social development interventions must be sustained, community-led, and focused on long-term change, not quick fixes.