Nyanga, one of the most violence-stricken neighbourhoods on the Cape Flats, gang activity and gun violence are grim realities that shape everyday life for many residents, especially children. For some young people growing up in this environment, the fear of stepping outside their front doors is a constant battle.
Yet amid the turmoil, a beacon of hope shines through the efforts of the Nyanga Hiking Club, an inspiring community initiative dedicated to offering children from high-risk areas a chance to experience freedom, nature, and healing beyond the shadow of violence.
Each month, the Nyanga Hiking Club organises hikes that take children from some of the most vulnerable communities in Nyanga and surrounding parts of the Cape Flats into the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding Cape Town. These excursions provide much more than just physical activity; they serve as vital opportunities for children to escape the harshness of their daily lives and build emotional resilience.
Club member Dani Saporettei explains that the hikes help children develop confidence and foster a sense of healing that is otherwise difficult to find in their everyday environment. “What I’d really love is to get the children in the cable car up Table Mountain,” Dani says. “That would be such an incredible opportunity for them. Another thing I’d absolutely love is to get them access to visiting the aquarium one Sunday in winter when it is impossible to get onto the mountains.”
The club’s vision is clear: to open up new worlds for these children, showing them beauty, peace, and possibilities beyond the violence that often defines their youth.
Addressing the Impact of Gang Violence in Nyanga
Nyanga is among Cape Town’s oldest townships and has long struggled with socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, poor infrastructure, and crime. Gang violence, in particular, has deeply affected families and children, trapping many in cycles of fear, trauma, and limited opportunity.
For the children of Nyanga, leaving the house can be dangerous, with shootings and gang conflicts frequently erupting in neighborhoods. This environment contributes to emotional and psychological scars that persist into adulthood unless addressed through supportive interventions.
The Nyanga Hiking Club is one such intervention, creating a safe space where children can momentarily leave behind the dangers and experience a sense of normalcy, freedom, and adventure. The club’s efforts have been praised by parents and community leaders alike for offering children an alternative path toward hope and personal growth.
The therapeutic power of nature has been widely documented, especially for children who have experienced trauma. In Nyanga, the hiking club harnesses this power by immersing children in natural surroundings, encouraging physical exercise, teamwork, and exploration.
Each outing includes guided hikes through safe trails in the Table Mountain National Park and other nearby natural reserves. Children learn about local flora and fauna, practice mindfulness, and enjoy moments of joy and laughter away from the constant threat of violence.
According to Dani, the benefits are profound: “These hikes give children a chance to connect with themselves and others in ways that are healing. They build self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and teach patience and perseverance.”
While the Nyanga Hiking Club has already made a significant impact, organizers dream of expanding the program to reach more children and offer even more enriching experiences. Plans include trips to the Table Mountain cable car, which would allow children to see their city from a new perspective, and visits to the local aquarium, providing a different kind of educational adventure.
To achieve this, the club seeks support from local businesses, NGOs, and government bodies to fund transport, equipment, and educational materials. The aim is to create a sustainable, community-supported program that continues to provide hope for years to come.
The success of the Nyanga Hiking Club offers a powerful example of how grassroots initiatives can foster resilience and inspire change in communities affected by violence. By focusing on youth development through nature, the club helps break cycles of trauma and builds stronger, healthier communities.
Moreover, the club raises awareness of the broader issues facing Nyanga and other townships, encouraging dialogue about the need for investment in safe spaces, education, and mental health support.
In a place where danger often dictates daily life, the Nyanga Hiking Club is proving that there is a better way forward. Through its monthly hikes and dedication to creating safe, nurturing experiences, the club offers children a glimpse of a brighter future — one where they can grow in confidence, find healing, and envision lives beyond the limits imposed by violence.
As Cape Town continues to grapple with gang-related challenges, initiatives like the Nyanga Hiking Club provide critical hope and a model for how communities can come together to protect and empower their most vulnerable members.
Source- EWN
