The community of zone 11 in Sebokeng is pleading with government to create more jobs for young people who are roaming around without any prospect of employment. They say crime and substance abuse becomes a major problem in the area because young people are without jobs.
This was expressed during the Social Development month event organised by the department which was held at Saul Tsotetsi Community Centre in Sedibeng on Friday.
According to the Community Development Supervisor Doctor Nkuna the event aimed to engage community of Sebokeng about the challenges they face on daily basis. It also sought to provide information and bring government services to the people.
"This is the right platform for you to ventilate everything that you feel government is not delivering. Some of your challenges are growing and we want you to help us find solution to them" said Nkuna.
He further urged young people who are unemployed to utilise government funded skills centres such as Bokamoso in Small Farm to acquire skills that will help them become employable.
Residents said they feel neglected by government because they have been living in poor conditions for years and their children end up using drugs due to hopelessness.
"It's like you go to school, and then once you are qualified you sit with a whole stack of certificates that you can't actually use," 36-year-old Lydia Mphate said.
Luthando Kwananzi (25) applauded the department for bringing the engagement to the people and said if government can fight nepotism in its tender awarding processes, provision for young people to participate in the food chain will be possible.
A retired Detective John Mthimkulu who was part of the gathering said if government intends to win the war against substance abuse it should put more focus on cutting and ultimately eliminating drug supply.
"Our law enforcement is corrupt, hence, we have these substances supplied all over and no one gets arrested" he added.
The township of Sebokeng is part of the once blooming industrial heartland of the Vaal Triangle, but today is characterised by many social ills.​