Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel says the escalating rate of children being recruited into gangs is worrying.

Nel was speaking in Mitchell’s Plain on the Cape Flats during a Child Protection Week event.

Residents and community organisations in the area gathered to discuss child safety, cyber bullying, child trafficking and crimes affecting the youth.

Nel says preventative measures are needed to deter children from joining gangs.

Video | Discussion of child safety & crimes affecting youth in W Cape:

Nel emphasises that he had a long discussion with principals who have their hands full with gang members circulating in the vicinity of the school trying to push drugs.

“Gangs having fights in the vicinity of schools. Children having to pass through those gang areas to school and on the way home. The rate of recruitment of children to form part of gangs has increased in the last couple of years,” states Nel.

Proceedings have commenced at the Community and Youth Engagement in Mitchells Plain. The event aims to empower the community on children’s rights, safety, and legal protections.#ChildProtectionWeek pic.twitter.com/oPvM8Pgl0L

— The DoJ & CD (@DOJCD_ZA) June 4, 2025