Gangsterism on the Cape Flats : a challenge to ‘engage the powers’
Date
2014-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS OpenJournals
Abstract
One of the most pressing issues in the urban ghettos of the Cape Flats is that of gangsterism
and the discourse of power and powerlessness that is its lifeblood. Media coverage over the
past two years was littered with news on gangsterism as the City of Cape Town struggles to
contain what some labelled a pandemic. It is a pandemic that is closely tied to a deprivation
trap of poverty, marginalisation, isolation, unemployment and, ultimately, powerlessness.
The latter concept of powerlessness and its interplay with these factors constituted the
main thrust of this article as it explores the concept of power (and powerlessness) as deeply
relational with the economic, psycho-social and spiritual dimensions. It is proposed that
Kingdom power challenges the status quo within such contexts and offers the church an
alternative framework within which to engage prophetically.
Description
Please cite as follows:
Bowers-Du Toit, N. F. 2014. Gangsterism on the Cape Flats: a challenge to “engage the powers”. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 70(3): 1-7, doi:10.4102/hts.v70i3.2727.
The original publication is available at http://www.hts.org.za
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
Bowers-Du Toit, N. F. 2014. Gangsterism on the Cape Flats: a challenge to “engage the powers”. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 70(3): 1-7, doi:10.4102/hts.v70i3.2727.
The original publication is available at http://www.hts.org.za
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
Keywords
Gangsterism, Gangsters -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Gangsters -- South Africa -- Cape Flats
Citation
Bowers-Du Toit, N. F. 2014. Gangsterism on the Cape
Flats: a challenge to “engage the powers”. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 70(3): 1-7, doi:10.4102/hts.v70i3.2727.