CAPE TOWN - Final preparations are underway for the army’s deployment to gang-affected areas in the Western Cape.
However, residents are questioning how effective this intervention will be.
Many have proposed alternative solutions to address the persistent and often deadly gang violence.
There is a growing belief that a comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is required.
Affected communities aren't convinced this is the best way to go.
Some say that communities and broader society must collaborate closely with government to develop more effective solutions.
They say that recruiting into the army to assist the police can only be a temporary solution.
They say investing in initiatives to reintegrate school dropouts and reintroduce sport and recreation into communities should be key components of a broader solution.
- eNCA’s Ayesha Ismail reports.