With a sense of fellowship and the need to survive, the streets of Steenberg call for endorsement. In a community that has known poverty, just as the rise of crime - a solidarity exists, though social neglect is at its height. “The Steenberg community was a very close-knit community, where everyone knew everyone,” reflects Edith, a local resident. “Where the saying was, “your child is my child.”Entitled ‘Military Road’ (following a passage through one of South Africa’s most impoverished areas, known as the Cape Flats) this project seeks to uncover the suburb’s most valuable assets: its people. Through a series of portraits and street scenes, capturing the community in its most authentic nature, the aim is to unveil the nuances of their struggle, as well as the ongoing camaraderie that prevails. Focusing the lens on the residents of Steenberg and its neighbouring Lavender Hill, Retreat and Coniston Park, which are home to a community of the highest mixed ancestry in the world, we are met with a glimpse of what it means to live in the area. A place where the struggles extend to unemployment, homelessness, drug abuse, alcoholism, gang violence, and the consequent loss of young lives. “They say charity starts at home,” expresses Edith. “Eveything is about choices. But we are all the product of Steenberg and the surrounding areas. Just wish the authorities could have workshops and take care of the young people.” In an area where soup kitchens help provide free food for the unemployed, residents also get caught in the crossfire of shootings. All these negatives are juxtaposed against a strong community spirit. Of camaraderie from residents, with children playing in the streets - soccer being one of the main activities that help the youth come together, away from the negatives. Such community spirit and closeness is something that is almost non-existent within the more affluent suburbs. Corrupt policing and lack of support from the government are also issues that lead to violence and crime within the community. Residents communicate their lack of trust in the police force. As one resident reflects, “The support we used to have was the best because we had our own street neighbourhood watch groups but nowadays its not even safe doing it. Times have changed since, after the middle ‘90s. There are a few visible pockets of very good community organisations that work tirelessly, obviously with the help of our City Councillor, to make our area better. There are opportunities for the unemployed to work as a EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) worker for a short period of time (3 to 6 months) ”. Edith urges her peers to remain outspoken. “We, as a community, must stand firmly against any form of wrong-doing, against our people,” she concludes. “Dont forget the elderly and especially our vulnerable children.”