ActionSA’s Cape Town mayoral candidate Dereleen James said on 4 November 2026 that tackling gang violence requires more than increased policing and that youth development, education, and community upliftment must form the core of the city’s crime response.
Speaking after voting at NG Kerk in Goodwood, James stressed that addressing overcrowded housing, drug abuse, and unequal access to municipal services is crucial in reducing violence. She said ActionSA would prioritise keeping children in school and investing in sports and recreational facilities to steer the youth away from crime.
“As the mayor of the city, I will ensure that those services reach all communities across the city,” James told Eyewitness News. “Everything starts with safety. From safety, we need to ensure that we extend services to our communities.” She added, “Crime will thrive for as long as there is no development in our communities. A child in sport is a child out of court.”
James proposed establishing fully funded Local Drug Action Committees involving government departments such as Social Development, Education, and Economic Development to combat substance abuse. She also pledged to support non-profit organisations assisting victims of violence, underlining that a whole-of-government approach is needed.
Her campaign focuses on key areas across the Cape Flats, including Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, where municipal services remain underserved. James argued that crime prevention must link closely to improving living conditions and community development rather than relying solely on policing efforts.
Since being named ActionSA’s mayoral candidate in June 2026, James has made safety her top priority, linking it directly to education, healthcare, and service delivery. Independent media outlets IOL and EWN have consistently reported her emphasis on youth development as a cornerstone of her plan to confront Cape Town’s crime challenges.
James also noted that the Democratic Alliance (DA) had intensified its campaign efforts, suggesting it feels pressure from emerging political competitors in the municipal elections. This assertion has yet to be independently confirmed.
Her stance represents a shift from traditional crime-fighting approaches, advocating a more holistic response that includes social and economic upliftment of communities most affected by gang violence and drug abuse.
This approach resonates strongly across the Cape Flats, an area with high levels of crime linked to systemic social issues. Experts and community leaders have pointed out that without addressing root causes such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate municipal services, crime prevention efforts are limited.
Cape Flats residents welcome initiatives focused on youth development and community investment amid ongoing concerns about gangsterism disrupting daily life. James’ campaign message underscores the urgency of integrated strategies that tackle both immediate safety concerns and long-term social upliftment.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue to monitor developments as James’ campaign progresses and plans for municipal governance take shape after the local government elections. Updates on community responses and policy implementations will follow as new information becomes available.