Gang Expert Takes Us Inside South Africa's Underworld

Wide Awake Podcast

In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dariusz Dziewanski. Dariusz is an experienced researcher, journalist, and author who has dedicated the last fifteen years to international development and humanitarian work.

He specialises in research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, with his main focus on gangs. His extensive academic research has resulted in the publication of a book titled "Gang Entry and Exit in Cape Town: Getting Beyond The Streets in Africa’s Deadliest City," as well as numerous articles in esteemed peer-reviewed journals.

During our conversation, we delved into Dariusz's journey of working with gangs in South Africa and explored why Cape Town holds the unfortunate distinction of being Africa's deadliest city. We discussed the Cape Flats and examined the most influential gangs in South Africa. Additionally, we explored the reasons behind individuals joining gangs and the various pathways they take to exit such environments. Dariusz also shared an insane story about a lone gangster engaged in an extraordinary battle and much more…