Around the world, in war-torn and conflict-ridden countries, peace is prayed for and yearned for. War and the absence of peace are part of daily life in, for example, Syria, which has the unenviable title of being the top war-torn country in the world. Closer to home, 15 African countries including Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda, are embroiled in war, or post-war conflict and tension.
In Cape Town a different (but no less terrifying) war is raging; that of gangsters turning the Cape Flats streets into a bloodbath as they fight for drug turf. Violence and crime imprison communities here.
Despite their valiant efforts, the police have been unable to stem the violence, and in July this year, government deployed the South African National Defence Force to the most besieged zones – without success.
How then can a peace programme help to address our city’s crime epidemic?
Enter Professor Brian Williams and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), named after its founder and Chief Executive Officer Forest Whitaker, famed for his roles in movies such as The Godfather of Harlem, The Crying Game and Platoon.
Having successfully worked in the fields of peace, mediation and labour relations for more than 40 years, Brian was asked to design the impactful WPDI programme, which has made a global impact.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 282 من Big Issue.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 282 من Big Issue.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Visit The ‘Seaside Circus'
There’s a new art activation on the prom …
SA's Food Capture?
While the debate rages on over glyphosate-based herbicides, farmers are spraying the chemical all over the world
Design That Uplifts, Delight Intrigues
A collaboration with Southern Guild at the Silo District in Cape Town showcases designer Rich Mnisi’s first solo exhibition, titled Nyoka, on show from 2 October 2021 through to 4 February 2022. Designed to reach out and inspire.
Why Kaaps Language Dictionary Matters!
The first-ever dictionary of South Africa’s Kaaps language has launched. Why it matters …
Hungry, And Tired
This charity has been feeding Cape Town’s hungry for more than 80 years. Never have so many people queued for food.
Life's Ups And Downs
Feeling burnt out? Clinical Psychologist and Business Director at The Human Edge, Helene Vermaak, gives some grounded self-care advice for anyone feeling overstressed or depleted.
WHAT'S ON?
Get out and about under the spring sun, or enjoy entertainment online from the comfort of your couch …
SPACE TO REFLECT
When former Big Issue editor, Alicia English, lost her husband to Covid-19 earlier this year, she and her son discovered a novel way to process overwhelming, difficult feelings.
INSPIRATIONAL READING
Whether you tap, turn pages or listen to audiobooks, an inspirational read can help you relax and see the world differently.
Rough sleeping
“Winters are the worst nightmare for us,” says a homeless man in Springs. Temperatures dropped to minus 7º C recently.
