6 The Faceless Mobile Youth of Africa Drive Change
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investigated. The police also claim that children as young as twelve are being lured
into gangs and are groomed for the gang lifestyle.
Matavire (2007) describes Helenvale, a suburb in the Northern Areas of Port
Elizabeth as a ‘filthy, overcrowded and crime-ridden suburb… The Northern Areas
township, which is predominantly coloured, and one of the oldest in Port Elizabeth, is
characterized by extreme poverty and lack of service delivery. It has a population of
more than 14,000, of which 75% have no income. The average income per household
is estimated at R400 a month. At least 7% of the residents have no formal education.
Overcrowding is a concern and, although most houses have toilets, they are shared
between 10 and 20 people…The suburb had been planned during apartheid and the
infrastructure is now falling apart- sewerage, housing and other facilities…’.
6.3 Problem Description
The poverty experienced by these communities has left the members with low selfesteem. This is because they are unable to meet their basic needs. This population
also lacks life skills that would enable them to meet their needs and perform their
duties to the optimal capacity. This deprivation has led them to believe that they
do not measure up to others who meet their family needs and lead quality lives.
Educational underachievement occurs in every school in South Africa. It is caused
by various factors and although it has negative consequences for the individual,
the school, the community and the country as a whole, teachers and parents tend to
simplify the problem by ascribing it to the ‘laziness and stupidity’ of the learners. This
problem is emphasised in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. An area challenged
by severe social problems including poor health, substance abuse, domestic violence,
gang fighting and teenage pregnancies. There is currently a big discrepancy in the
number of children from the Northern Areas, starting school and those finishing grade
twelve. The learners from the Northern Areas are academically underachieving. This
is a problem because academic underachievement contributes to a vicious cycle of
failure, behavioural problems, school dropout, unemployment, overcrowding, social
problems and a general feeling of worthlessness. Children from an early age on a
daily basis use drugs.
There is a need to understand what will empower the youth to drive change. In a
society where people fear for their lives on a daily basis, there is a need to investigate
other means of driving change. Currently, the social disconnect in the Northern Areas
necessitates alternate forms of communication and support towards change.
63
investigated. The police also claim that children as young as twelve are being lured
into gangs and are groomed for the gang lifestyle.
Matavire (2007) describes Helenvale, a suburb in the Northern Areas of Port
Elizabeth as a ‘filthy, overcrowded and crime-ridden suburb… The Northern Areas
township, which is predominantly coloured, and one of the oldest in Port Elizabeth, is
characterized by extreme poverty and lack of service delivery. It has a population of
more than 14,000, of which 75% have no income. The average income per household
is estimated at R400 a month. At least 7% of the residents have no formal education.
Overcrowding is a concern and, although most houses have toilets, they are shared
between 10 and 20 people…The suburb had been planned during apartheid and the
infrastructure is now falling apart- sewerage, housing and other facilities…’.
6.3 Problem Description
The poverty experienced by these communities has left the members with low selfesteem. This is because they are unable to meet their basic needs. This population
also lacks life skills that would enable them to meet their needs and perform their
duties to the optimal capacity. This deprivation has led them to believe that they
do not measure up to others who meet their family needs and lead quality lives.
Educational underachievement occurs in every school in South Africa. It is caused
by various factors and although it has negative consequences for the individual,
the school, the community and the country as a whole, teachers and parents tend to
simplify the problem by ascribing it to the ‘laziness and stupidity’ of the learners. This
problem is emphasised in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. An area challenged
by severe social problems including poor health, substance abuse, domestic violence,
gang fighting and teenage pregnancies. There is currently a big discrepancy in the
number of children from the Northern Areas, starting school and those finishing grade
twelve. The learners from the Northern Areas are academically underachieving. This
is a problem because academic underachievement contributes to a vicious cycle of
failure, behavioural problems, school dropout, unemployment, overcrowding, social
problems and a general feeling of worthlessness. Children from an early age on a
daily basis use drugs.
There is a need to understand what will empower the youth to drive change. In a
society where people fear for their lives on a daily basis, there is a need to investigate
other means of driving change. Currently, the social disconnect in the Northern Areas
necessitates alternate forms of communication and support towards change.