Youths in Southern Africa Vulnerable to Violence Due to Unemployment and Lack of Support Structures

In many parts of Southern Africa, youth unemployment and lack of support structures make young people vulnerable to violence, both as victims and perpetrators. James Banda, a 27-year-old unemployed youth from Lusaka, exemplifies this issue. He occasionally works as a bus conductor but is more frequently hired by political parties to conduct intimidating campaigns during elections. Banda and his friends receive money, alcohol, and a van to disrupt rival parties' meetings and intimidate opposition voters.

The Southern Africa Trust report, "Ending the Age of Marginal Majority," released on July 20, highlights the prevalence of violence in the SADC region. It notes that young people are vulnerable to violence due to lack of access to support structures and networks. Emily Mabusela, programme manager of the Youth Violence Prevention Programme, emphasizes that one of the reasons for youth violence is the pervasive nature of violent acts in society. She suggests that unless interventions are made, violent young people grow up to be violent adults.

Key Takeaways:

• Unemployment and lack of support structures contribute to youth vulnerability to violence in Southern Africa.
• 78 percent of rapes of 12 to 17-year-old girls and 75 percent of rapes of women 18 years and older in South Africa were perpetrated by young men in the 15-34 age range.
• The report found that young people may make up between 60 and 70 percent of victims of serious forms of violence such as homicide and rape.
• Young girls are increasingly becoming involved in perpetrating violence, leading to a need for more research on the issue.
• The Southern Africa Trust report "Ending the Age of Marginal Majority" calls for public policy to address the needs of the youth and mitigate circumstances preventing them from gaining employment.
• Ansa Verster, a manager at the Restorative Justice Centre, believes young people can change if given the correct support and proper guidance.
• Reports of xenophobic attacks and violent road rage are common, and such acts have a profound impact on shaping young people's perceptions of violence.
• Mabusela suggests that violence is learned, and addressing the issue early on is crucial in preventing it from worsening.

Statistics:

• 78 percent of rapes of 12 to 17-year-old girls in South Africa were perpetrated by young men in the 15-34 age range.
• 75 percent of rapes of women 18 years and older in South Africa were perpetrated by young men in the 15-34 age range.
• Young people may make up between 60 and 70 percent of victims of serious forms of violence such as homicide and rape.

Sources:

• Southern Africa Trust report "Ending the Age of Marginal Majority" (July 20)
• Emily Mabusela, programme manager of the Youth Violence Prevention Programme at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
• Helene Perold, executive director at Volunteer and Service Enquiry South Africa
• Ansa Verster, manager of a Diversion Programme for young people at the Restorative Justice Centre
• IPS/GIN (July 23, 2010)