Some pictures tell a thousand words.
This shot taken by Daily Voice photographer Patrick Louw is one of them.
Our team was in Delft two weeks ago, where gang violence erupted, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people this month.
Patrick was at the scene of the killings, where a forensics official was attending to the body of a shooting victim.
Now take a good look and see how many things are wrong with this picture.
Apart from the dead man lying face down in the sand, in the background you’ll see three toddlers no more than three years old.
The little ones are wandering around a crime scene. In gang turf. Without proper adult supervision.
No child should have to be exposed to this kind of violence, but on the Cape Flats, this is what many little ones grow up with.
By the time they are adults, gangs, shootings and murders will already be a part of normal life for them.
The impact this has on the psychology of our kids is traumatic.
You could point fingers at the authorities too.
The official in the picture is trying to do his job, but is aware that the scene isn’t secured.
Are police doing enough to combat gang violence in our neighbourhoods?
Do they have enough staff, resources and co-operation from communities to fight crime?
The answer is no – on all counts.
Finally, pay close to attention to the victim.
He’s a skraal and scruffy young man. He doesn’t look like someone who enjoyed healthy, home-cooked meals on a regular basis.
That bony frame could very well be the result of drug abuse too.
In bold contrast, check out the bakgat red and black Nike Air Max.
That’s at least R1 500 worth of footwear right there.
But that’s mos typical of our gangster laaities, isn’t it?
Never mind education or a steady job, a paid-up house, or even food on the table.
As we mark Youth Day this week, think about the challenges our youngsters are facing today.
And think about what we – as adults, parents and authorities – can do to change our communities into places where they can grow into good human beings.