The CeaseFire Journey 2012 - 2026

Since its introduction in Hanover Park, the CeaseFire Programme has proven that violence is not inevitable—it can be prevented.

Hanover Park has long been recognised as one of Cape Town's most gang-affected communities. In response to this crisis, Pastor Craven Engel, in partnership with the City of Cape Town and the internationally recognised Cure Violence model, launched the CeaseFire Programme in 2012.

Using a public health approach to violence prevention, CeaseFire focused on interrupting violent conflicts before they escalated, mentoring individuals at the highest risk of involvement in violence and changing community norms through credible messengers who understood the realities of life on the Cape Flats.

The results were remarkable.

Within the first two years, gang-related shootings and violent incidents in Hanover Park were reduced by more than 50%. This significant decline demonstrated that a community-based intervention, driven by trained violence interrupters and strong local partnerships, could save lives and restore hope where violence had become the norm.

Unfortunately, despite these measurable successes, government priorities changed. In 2017, the City of Cape Town terminated its funding for the programme, bringing an end to official support for one of the country's most effective violence prevention initiatives.

The consequences were devastating. Without sustained investment, Hanover Park and surrounding communities once again experienced rising levels of gang violence, shootings, and the tragic loss of innocent lives.

The need for CeaseFire has never been greater.

According to reports published by News24, the Western Cape Department of Health revealed that between September and November 2024, 79 children lost their lives to violence, while 1,685 children were treated in provincial hospitals for gunshot or stab wounds. These heartbreaking statistics remind us that violence continues to rob our communities of an entire generation.

For the First Community Resource Centre (FCRC), walking away was never an option.

Although funding came to an end, our commitment to Hanover Park did not. CeaseFire has continued to operate through the dedication of a small team, volunteers, and community leaders who refuse to accept violence as a way of life. Every day they work to mediate conflict, prevent retaliation, support vulnerable young people, and bring hope to families living under the constant threat of gang violence.

Over the years, political leaders have come and gone. Many have acknowledged the value of the programme and promised its return. Yet while discussions continue, the shootings continue as well. More young lives are lost. More innocent bystanders are caught in the crossfire. More children grow up believing that violence is simply part of everyday life.

This is why CeaseFire remains active today.

Despite operating with no government funding, a skeleton staff, and the unwavering support of volunteers, the programme continues to serve Hanover Park because our community cannot afford for it to disappear.

We believe every life saved matters.

With sustainable funding and strategic partnerships, CeaseFire can once again expand its impact—not only in Hanover Park, but across other high-risk communities throughout the Cape Flats. Together, we can interrupt violence, restore hope, and build safer communities for future generations.

Interrupters and Outreach Worker's meeting at the FCRC

Above: 23 July 2026

The CeaseFire team gathers to coordinate intelligence, review incident data, and plan immediate interventions following the devastating shooting of 3 people [of which one is code blue] in Hanover Park earlier this morning. Their focus is to prevent retaliatory violence, protect the community, and interrupt the cycle of further bloodshed.