Even the most hardened criminals can change, reformed gangster-turned-businessman Julian Julies said at the launch of a youth advisory centre in Schauderville on Wednesday.
The centre – an initiative by the Schauderville Korsten Intervention Committee which Julies co-founded – aims to empower young people with various programmes, including entrepreneurial, computer and life-skills training.
At the official opening of the centre in Highfield Road, Julies, 39, said there was “a lot of interest” from eager youngsters who wanted to make use of what it had to offer.
A reformed gangster himself, he said he also wanted to invite former gangsters who wanted to turn their lives around.
Julies, who owns a security company and a construction business, said funding for the centre had come from his own pocket.
“I was a gangster for 27 years and I was addicted to drugs so I know what it feels like to be an outcast. I know what it feels like to have nothing.
“But people can change and that is the idea behind the centre – to help people. I will be funding the whole thing until we find stability,” he said.
“Besides the youth, we would also like to work with reformed gangsters and put them in programmes that will be of benefit for their futures.”
Invited guests included officials from the Mandela Bay Development Agency as well as ward councillor Abraham Isaacs.
“My plea to the leadership of this organisation is for them to never, ever draw politics into your organisation,” Isaacs said.
“Never try to work in isolation because it won’t last.”
The MBDA’s social development facilitator, Eldridge Jerry, said the committee was one of the organisations the agency was working with in the area.
“We have started consulting community leaders around a business plan and hopefully in the next few months we will conclude that, which will result in an action plan,” he said.