The Northern Areas Festival of Hope was launched at the weekend as part of a social crime prevention campaign aimed at curbing gangsterism among the youth.
The Port Elizabeth festival, hosted by the Bay’s Community Policing Forum (CPF), was part of the reconciliation celebration held at Bethelsdorp’s Finnis Street grounds on Sunday.
It started at 10.30am and included various musicians from the northern areas.
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Mongameli Bobani and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga attended.
The event started with a motorcade leaving from Cleary Park shopping centre as part of a visible show of force between police and other law enforcement entities, as well as residents.
In a speech to festivalgoers, Ntshinga said the main focus was to encourage youngers to turn away from gangsterism and instead put their talents to good use for the community’s upliftment.
“There is no escape from facing the reality that our people are either dying or maimed because of the ongoing gang violence that has taken a toll.
“Let me make it clear: we are not here today to cry and complain. Instead we are here to bring a message of hope.
“The Festival of Hope must be about demolishing the barriers our youth are facing and the restoration of hope to them,” she said.
“This is a very good initiative which both young and old must take advantage of, as a solid foundation towards making peace and forgiveness among yourselves.”
Bobani encouraged youngsters to opt out of crime and gangsterism.
“We are here with you – never lose hope. We can assure you that together we can stop crime here and kids, this starts with you,” he said.
“We are creating hope for you because tomorrow belongs to you, to follow your dreams.”
The police said they would look into a similar initiative for the new year.