Beyond Policing: Investing in Young People as South Africa’s Next Crime Prevention Strategy

As South Africa continues to grapple with youth unemployment, crime and growing social inequality, the Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), in partnership with Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, is investing in a new generation of young leaders through its Out-of-School Youth Communities and Justice Programme.

The intensive programme, currently being implemented in Alabama Township in the North West Province and Meloding in the Free State, will directly empower 240 unemployed young people with practical life skills, justice education, employability support and entrepreneurship training designed to strengthen community safety while opening pathways to meaningful economic participation.

The North West programme ran from 13 – 17 July 2026, while the Free State programme commenced on 20 July and concludes on 27 July 2026. Each province has selected 120 out-of-school youth to participate in the intervention.

The Out-of-School Youth model consolidates learning into an intensive five-to-six-day experience. This immersive approach allows participants to engage more deeply with facilitators, government departments, justice sector institutions and industry partners through practical learning, discussions, experiential activities and career guidance.

Participants receive exposure to a broad range of issues including crime prevention, justice, substance abuse, gender-based violence, mental health, financial literacy, constitutional rights, employability, correctional services, career development and entrepreneurship. A visit to correctional facilities forms part of the experiential learning component, providing powerful first-hand insight into the consequences of criminal behaviour and the importance of making positive life choices.

This year’s programme introduces a significant enhancement through a dedicated Skills Development component, focusing on Social Enterprise and Business Enterprise, equipping participants with entrepreneurial thinking and practical knowledge to pursue self-employment opportunities alongside traditional career pathways.

The programme brings together an extensive network of partners from across government, law enforcement, the justice sector, education institutions, financial services and civil society. These include the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Correctional Services, Department of Social Development, South African Human Rights Commission, Banking Association South Africa (BASA), Department of Employment and Labour, TVET Colleges, National Youth Development Agency and various specialised organisations working in mental health, gender equality and victim support.

General Riah Phiyega, Chief Executive Officer of the Safer South Africa Foundation, said South Africa cannot arrest its way out of crime without investing in young people before they become part of the criminal justice system.

“Every young person represents potential waiting to be unlocked. When we invest in those who have fallen outside formal education, we are not merely addressing unemployment. We are strengthening the social fabric of our communities. Crime prevention begins long before a crime is committed. It begins by restoring hope, building confidence, creating opportunities and showing young people that they have a future worth protecting. Through this partnership with Harmony, we are equipping young South Africans with knowledge, practical skills and meaningful connections that enable them to become contributors to safer, stronger and more resilient communities.”

The programme also seeks to bridge the gap between unemployed youth and institutions that can support their development. Through direct engagement with government departments, employers, justice professionals and community organisations, participants gain access to information about bursaries, internships, learnerships, entrepreneurship support and employment opportunities that many would otherwise never encounter.

Harmony’s partnership with SSAF reflects a shared commitment to creating sustainable social impact in mining communities by addressing the root causes of crime while investing in youth development and economic inclusion.

As participants complete the programme, they will receive certificates recognising their commitment and successful participation, marking not simply the end of a training programme, but the beginning of new opportunities to become positive agents of change within their families and communities.