The impact of intervention strategies to reduce gang related violence by Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the community at large has so far not attracted much attention or support from provincial and national authorities. Helenvale and its surrounding areas plays an integral part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as the economic-hub of the Eastern Cape Province. But its gang problem has evolved over decades of socio-economic difficulties and struggle for a better life in the predominantly Coloured community. In order for this problem to be overcome a more strategically focused intervention strategy is required by local, provincial, and national authorities. This research study evaluates the gang intervention strategies in the Helenvale area and seeks to provide a primary research base from which key policies and strategies could be developed to address this challenge in an effort to bring about peace and stability in this community and other affected areas within close proximity of the area of study. At the heart of providing possible solutions to practices of gangsterism amongst mostly the youth, should be a well-coordinated intergovernmental high impact intervention strategy in partnership with NGO’s, civil society and other sectors of the community. Further solutions are the investment by authorities in rehabilitation centres, with skills development and job-creation opportunities as a key exit strategy for those involved in gangs. Acknowledgement that the enhancement and development of mediation skills of community based structures through the sharing of critical conflict theory and mediation practices, could make a substantial contribution to greater peace and stability in our communities.

Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / While children are young, they look to their parents for all their needs; they expect them to have the answers to all their questions. When they enter adolescence they go in search of their own answers. If they do not find guidance at home or with other responsible adults within their community, they may start to look to their peers for advice, information, and direction. “Earlier work on gangs in South Africa has suggested that the effects of poverty and Apartheid’s massive social engineering created social stress to which gangs were a teenage response. The result of this uprooting and neglect is that the solid core of contributing adult members crumbles, and the institutions that provide the foundations of community fall apart. The community safety net is left in tatters. Parents, exhausted by long hours required to make ends meet or demoralized by their inability to cope with the hardships of poverty, may turn to drugs and alcohol. Kids are left on their own in …. adultless communities.” (Sarah Van Gelder as cited in Pinnock, 1997, p.5) To counteract these negative social patterns that prevail in disadvantaged communities, a community based intervention was conceptualised to provide youth at risk with a rites of passage diversion programme. In 2001, a programme called the Community Building Leadership Programme was developed and piloted by USIKO in partnership with the University of Stellenbosch and a peri-urban community in Jamestown, near Stellenbosch. Twenty-one boys (mentees) and thirteen men (mentors) from Jamestown and the surrounding areas were selected to be pioneers in this process. This thesis expounds the experiences and recommendations of the thirteen men who were the entrepreneurs of the first Jamestown USIKO Youth Project.

This study investigated the causes and manifestation of aggression among secondary school learners. Aggression was defined. Various theories of aggression were discussed. From the literature study, nine hypotheses were developed. The study used a quantitative approach by means of a survey design. The research site was a rural, secondary school. A closed-ended questionnaire was used as data collection tool. Only learners were involved as respondents. The impact of various moderator variables was considered. The study discovered that aggressive behaviour is not confined to a specific gender. Above all, female aggression is on the rise. Possible causative factors were confirmed and risk factors were identified. Recommendations were made in line with the findings based on the empirical results. Limitations of the study were also pointed out. / Education Studies / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The South African context gives rise to a number of significant adversities that challenge the stability of the individual child and the survival of their families. The repercussions of these adversities are profound. Once risk begins to accumulate, the probability of a negative developmental trajectory increases. A group of South African children that are a particularly vulnerable, at risk, and marginalized group are those youth who are excluded from school. Access to the schooling system represents an important node of care and support with the potential of linking vulnerable children to key services. Eight youth from a town in a former homeland in rural KwaZulu Natal, who are excluded from the schooling system, participated in this research. The research aimed to map their experiences of school exclusion through a participatory photo interview technique. Using Bronfenbrenner's (1979) socio-ecological systems theory, this study has indicated that exclusion from school relates to risk factors present in the five contextual systems that a child functions within. From this research one can see how each risk factor adds to the web of exclusion that makes these youth hard to identify, access and help. The findings indicate that there is a need to further investigate the South African child care grant system and the impact it has on access to schooling, as well as to develop macrosystemic interventions to alleviate poverty. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritburg, 2007.

This study investigated the causes and manifestation of aggression among secondary school learners. Aggression was defined. Various theories of aggression were discussed. From the literature study, nine hypotheses were developed. The study used a quantitative approach by means of a survey design. The research site was a rural, secondary school. A closed-ended questionnaire was used as data collection tool. Only learners were involved as respondents. The impact of various moderator variables was considered. The study discovered that aggressive behaviour is not confined to a specific gender. Above all, female aggression is on the rise. Possible causative factors were confirmed and risk factors were identified. Recommendations were made in line with the findings based on the empirical results. Limitations of the study were also pointed out. / Education Studies / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The aim of this study is to assess the implementation of the Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD) programme in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster in Gauteng. Since the Social Crime Prevention Strategy was introduced in the South African Police Service (SAPS), no study has been conducted in the organisation to assess whether this strategy has yielded the expected results in line with its objectives. Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews as well as focus group interviews with Community Policing Forum (CPF) members, YCPD programme community volunteers, SAPS social crime prevention coordinators, Department of Community Safety (DoCS) social crime prevention coordinators and a station commander in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster. These participants are closely involved with the YCPD programme and freely expressed their views, understanding, knowledge and beliefs in relation to the implementation and associated activities of the YCPD programme. In addition, the researcher conducted a comprehensive literature study of the national legislation, SAPS policies and directives that oversee and promote social crime prevention in South Africa, as well as library resources and international studies. Various objectives were fulfilled in the execution of this study:  It was determined that social crime prevention guidelines are not complied with regarding the implementation of the YCPD.  It was determined that the YCPD is not achieving its proposed aims and objectives. In addition, this study and its results provide a framework for mitigating the challenges encountered during the implementation of strategies for improving the establishment of the YCPD in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster. The findings of the research indicate that the YCPD programme has not been effectively implemented within the Ekurhuleni North Cluster, since it became evident that the YCPD role-players are confronted by various challenges, which impede the proper implementation of the programme. Based on the findings of this study, a Youth Crime Prevention Desk Implementation Framework was developed. This framework could serve as a guideline advising the South African Police Service, Department of Community Safety, Community Policing Forums and Youth Crime Prevention Desk programme’s community volunteers in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster how the implementation of the programme could be improved. This framework could also contribute towards further identifying best practices with a view to benchmarking such a framework in other areas in South Africa. This study makes a significant contribution to the improvement of the implementation of the Youth Crime Prevention Desk programme in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster and to youth social crime and violence in general. / Police Practice / D. Litt. et Phil. (Police Science)

Rebelliousness is the act of defying lawful authority or a resistant way of relating to authority. It is seen by many as a normal way of development. The development of rebellious behavior actually starts in childhood and progresses through to adulthood. The study focuses on the manner in which the family and school handle the rebellious child and the negative effects that these have on the child's development. These problems may manifest in truancy, delinquency, negativism, runaway, antisocial behavior, alcohol and substance abuse and gang involvement. The results of the study prove that the environment in which the adolescent lives, contribute greatly to the development and the maintenance of rebellious behavior. Guidelines were written for parents, teachers and psychologists regarding the handling of the rebellious child. / Psychology of Education / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

Rebelliousness is the act of defying lawful authority or a resistant way of relating to authority. It is seen by many as a normal way of development. The development of rebellious behavior actually starts in childhood and progresses through to adulthood. The study focuses on the manner in which the family and school handle the rebellious child and the negative effects that these have on the child's development. These problems may manifest in truancy, delinquency, negativism, runaway, antisocial behavior, alcohol and substance abuse and gang involvement. The results of the study prove that the environment in which the adolescent lives, contribute greatly to the development and the maintenance of rebellious behavior. Guidelines were written for parents, teachers and psychologists regarding the handling of the rebellious child. / Psychology of Education / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)