University of the Western Cape Convenes High-Level Seminar to Tackle Systemic Gangsterism and Social Dysfunction

University of the Western Cape Rector Robert Balfour leads a multi-stakeholder seminar to find sustainable solutions for gangsterism and social dysfunction.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 4:56 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CapeTalk

A Scholarly Approach to a Regional Crisis

The University of the Western Cape has taken a proactive stance against the persistent wave of gang-related shootings by hosting a comprehensive one-day seminar focused on the root causes of social dysfunction. As violence continues to affect communities across the province, the university aims to move beyond traditional policing methods by fostering a multi-disciplinary dialogue. The event served as a strategic intersection for civil society, government officials, and affected residents, aiming to transform academic research into actionable safety policies for the Western Cape.

The Role of Higher Education in Social Stability

UWC Rector Robert Balfour opened the proceedings with a clear mandate for the academic community, asserting that the impact of gang violence is a challenge that universities can no longer ignore. Balfour argued that institutions of higher learning possess the unique resources and research capabilities necessary to help shape long-term, sustainable solutions. By framing gangsterism not just as a criminal issue, but as a collective societal challenge, the university is positioning itself as a central hub for coordinating the response between local communities and state law enforcement.

Expert Insights on the Criminal Justice System

The seminar featured a panel of prominent experts, including Cape Crime Crisis Coalition chairperson Llewellyn MacMaster and renowned criminologist Irvin Kinnes. The discussions delved into the current state of the South African criminal justice system, questioning why previous interventions have failed to curb the influence of gangs. Retired top police official Jeremy Vearey also contributed to the dialogue, providing a perspective on the operational hurdles faced by law enforcement and the necessity of a more nuanced, community-led approach to intelligence and crime prevention.