Author: Dumani Moyo

A dark cloud hung over Cosmo City youth after two young people were attacked and killed in separate incidents in the month of June. Both of the deceased were graduates.

One youth was shot during an alleged road rage incident on 9 June. The other youth allegedly tried to protect a girl who was being robbed by a group of men on 16 June. He was stabbed.

The untimely death of the two was so hurting, said Ward 100 Youth Forum secretary Sandiile Khanye. “I was totally shattered when I received the news,” he said. “Losing potential leaders of the society is something that you can’t easily accept. We are still grieving and feeling the pain.”

It hits even harder that the incidents took place during the youth month, Khanye said. “These incidents totally seek to undermine the hard work and potential that the young people of this country possess in rebuilding this damaged society. It is so defeating, considering that these incidents happened exactly on the month that we celebrate bravery and selfless leadership.”

In South Africa, June is considered youth month, a time when young people commemorate the role played by South African youth during the apartheid era. “After these tragic incidents in the community during the month when youth expect to be celebrating, this month proved to be a sad one for many.”

“I worked with the two (deceased youth) in the youth forum,” Khanye said. “They attended youth forum meetings. They engaged on how to improve our lives as young people, how to uplift our societies in terms of empowerment. I remember one of them had so much interest in entrepreneurship. They were forerunners of the struggle against economic emancipation for young people in this ward.”   

There has been a sense of fear among the youth surrounding these incidents, and they are demanding more visibility from the police and security.

“The community needs to come together to combat this pandemic of crime in the ward,” Khanye said. “I strongly believe that the perpetrators of such criminal activities are within the community. Therefore, the community needs to work hand in glove with law enforcers so that we do not have such casualties in future.”

“It is crucial for students to learn in a clean environment,” said Shincheonji Church representative Patrick Chikaonda during a clean-up campaign held at Cosmo City Secondary on 22 June 2022.

 More than 10 Shincheonji Church volunteers worked alongside students to clean up the school.

“Learning in a clean environment creates a sense of pride and safety amongst the students,” Chikaonda said. “When all these things (cleanliness, a sense of pride, and a feeling of safety) come together, they improve the learning experience of the students. When we invest on such things and get the students involved, they will get a sense that they are very important to us. I think we need to do more of this kind of work to prepare a good environment for the learners.”

During the clean-up campaign, the Shincheonji Church members encouraged students to take care of their environment. Together with the students, the volunteers cleaned the school’s soccer field, basketball court and the school garden.

“We came here to shine the light on the students by cleaning up the school,” said Shincheinji church member Liteboho Pitso. “I think other stakeholders should also do the same to maintain a healthier environment for the learners.”

“It is healthy to be always in a clean environment,” said Grade 9 student Thandile Ndlovu. “The clean-up event taught me a lot about cleanliness. Operating in a dirty environment will make us sick, so it is important to be always in cleaner surroundings.”

She also highlighted the importance of celebrating youth month. “It is our month and as students we should enjoy it.”     

Cosmo City residents who live in extension 7 expressed shock and concern over the tragic death of a pastor who was shot and killed during a church service on 15 June.

Armed robbers entered the church during a service and demanded money and cell phones from the congregation. Then they opened fire on the pastor in front of horrified church members.

“I am so hurt to see such developments happening in my community,” said Snini Baloyi. “Such incidents give a very bad outlook about our beloved Cosmo City. Being attacked at church shows how unsafe we are.”

A church member who preferred to be anonymous said that the shooting negatively impacted her. “Pastor was a very happy soul, and we will remember him for his good teachings. We hope the police will get to the bottom of the story.”

Honeydew police spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan confirmed reports about the incident.

“Attacking church members and killing a pastor shows that crime is rapidly increasing in the community,” he said. “Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting.”