IPYG and partners Launch Peace My City Committee to combat Gun Violence in Cape Town

Windhoek, 4 March 2025 – In a decisive move towards building safer communities, key
stakeholders gathered at Bertha House in Mowbray to establish the Peace My City Committee, a
dedicated task force aimed at reducing gun violence and promoting firearm-free zones in Cape
Town.
The initiative spearheaded by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), with support from Heavenly
Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG),
Soka Gakkai International, Lerato Family Foundation and Gun Free SA. Together, they have
committed to working closely with communities in Bonteheuwel, Langa, and Manenberg—areas that
have long struggled with the devastating effects of gun violence.
Among those present at the inaugural meeting were Marie Louise, Aziz Hartley, Patsy Daniels, Hon.
Khalid Sayed, Monique Hansen, Mr. Herbert, and Professor Brian Williams. The committee members
emphasized the need for collaborative, community-driven solutions to address the root causes of
violence and the importance of engaging local leaders, schools, and religious institutions to establish
firearm-free zones.
Speaking at the meeting, Professor Brian Williams discussed the different types of violence that must
be considered when addressing issues at their root, including direct, structural, and physical
violence. He emphasized the need to shift energies from negative to positive and highlighted the
absence of systems and structures that support peace, stressing the importance of understanding
the nature of violence itself. Ms Monique Hansen educated the group on gun violence, sharing
insights from Gun Free SA’s research and ongoing projects to track firearms in communities, as well
as potential collaborative efforts
The Peace My City initiative aligns with the African Union’s Silencing the Guns 2030 Agenda and
HWPL’s Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), particularly Article 2, which advocates
for the reduction of arms stockpiles and the prevention of illegal firearm distribution.
The committee will meet monthly to oversee the implementation of quarterly projects focused on
awareness campaigns, community dialogues, peace walks, and policy advocacy for the designation
of firearm-free zones.
With IPYG leading the way and the collective support of HWPL, IWPG, Gun Free SA and other
organisations this initiative aims to create meaningful change and ensure that Cape Town’s
communities can thrive in safety and peace.
About IPYG
The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) is a global youth organization dedicated to fostering
peace, unity, and conflict resolution through grassroots activism and international cooperation. As a
key partner of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), IPYG empowers young
people to take an active role in peacebuilding initiatives, advocating for disarmament, social justice,
and sustainable development. Through education, community engagement, and global campaigns,
IPYG works to create a world where youth are at the forefront of driving meaningful change and
securing a peaceful future for all.