This vignette sets out to look at the issues, challenges and opportunities a group of teenagers face in public spaces in Yeoville. Such issues include dealing with relationships; dealing with alcohol, clubs and bars and prostitution; as well as coping with limited public open spaces to engage in preferred recreational activities. The teenagers were given disposable cameras and were asked to answer a set of questions by taking pictures. Through interactions with others in public space, young people define and explore their own identities.

BIO: When I came to South Africa, I lived in Diepsloot. I was not as free as I used to be back home. It was difficult to communicate with other children because I could not speak Tswana or Sotho. I came free when I came to Yeoville. Here you meet Ndebeles, Shonas, whatever. I did not feel alone anymore.

AGE: 17

BORN IN: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

LENGTH OF RESIDENCE IN YEOVILLE: A year and a half

WITH: Mom and a younger brother

DREAMS OF LIVING IN: Strijdom Park, because the area has houses, not flats. ‘It's nice, beautiful and quiet.’

I cannot walk past this place after 6 pm, it's always full of hobos. They make fire and sometimes when you pass by they do these funny things.

The Yeoville Clinic is meaningful to me because it is free. No one pays for anything. It is good for the community, for people who are less privileged. If you are sick, you just come here for free.

My favourite place is called Dunbar Street. I love it; it's so quiet … When you’re stressed, I advise you to come to this street, and you walk … I tell you, you’ll go back home relieved.

I don't understand why people from Pikitup don't care about this place. They collect dustbins in every street in Yeoville, but not here. It bothers me a lot because it is near to the shops; I go there everyday.

BIO: When I arrived in Yeoville, my mother was too protective; she preferred me to stay indoors. She was teaching me a lesson, because I used to come back late from school. She was worried about the streets, especially Rockey. There are too many drunkards there (laughs).