The Problem:Intolerance of difference (however subtle it may be) amongst SA adults is passed on to children on a day to day basis. The results of such attitudes and behaviour are often seen at schools, communities, social clubs. Not a day passes without the media reflecting ugly examples of anti-social behaviour including stoning incidents, shootings and stabbings, assassinations, inter-gang warfare and other physical violence, drug abuse, arrests, and imprisonments. The incidents are not confined to any particular cultural or social grouping nor any particular age. However there is an alarming escalation of violent crime committed by young children. The HSRC states that schools are the “single most common sites of crimes”. After receiving thousands of submissions the HSRC concluded that SA schools are “The least safe place for children” South Africa faces critical social and economic challenges especially related to unemployment and poverty, safety and security, education and health. These challenges are exacerbated by a global economic crisis. If we fail to recognise the severity of our challenges, and if we fail to address them, we will experience rapid disintegration and decline (The Dinokeng Scenarios 2009) The state is alive to the problems however, the wheels of government grind slowly. (Annexure C) To speed the process competent NGO’s and private organisations have to take the lead in responding to the circumstances to complement ongoing government efforts and inter alia to develop leadership potential among young people so that they can steer communities in times to come.
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