Addressing crime, violence and socio-spatial deprivation in a vulnerable community: An interdisciplinary perspective on the safety and peace through urban upgrading (spuu) initiative in Helenvale, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

In 2012, the South African and German governments agreed to embark on a co-operative initiative to enhance violence and crime prevention in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. This initiative culminated in the Safety and Peace through Urban Upgrading (SPUU) programme, which was to be implemented in the community of Helenvale in Port Elizabeth. This article presents an interdisciplinary perspective on this initiative to determine its effectiveness in addressing crime, violence, socio-economic and spatial deprivation in the Helenvale community. Helenvale is afflicted by various challenges relating to crime and violence, but the most significant of these is undoubtedly gangsterism. The community has the dubious distinction of being perceived as the centre of gangsterism in the entire city. The importance of space and social marginalisation and the influence of these on violence and crime are explored. The authors employ anthropological, criminological and socio-spatial analytical approaches to interrogate the SPUU initiative, and, where necessary, suggest possible areas for revision or improvement in order to identify alternative ways to improve safety and the quality of life of the Helenvale community.