Julien Filander

From ‘bad boy’ to Chaplain

Julien’s father walked out on his wife and three boys when Julien was just 5 years old. Single parenthood was no easy journey and Julien thought his mum tackled it amazingly. A devoted uncle was also a key figure in Julien’s early years.

Sadly, all three boys lost their way and got hooked on Tik. At 16 years, Julien joined a gang based in the eastern part of Heideveld, known as the Bad Boys.

“Joining a gang is just something that you do” explains Julien. ”It feels like it’s compulsory. It stops you from getting bullied and you learn how to defend yourself.”
We’re having this conversation whilst watching a season-defining game of football at Heideveld Sports Centre. And in the apartments behind us, I’m finding it impossible to ignore the sound of firecrackers being detonated. Or could it be gunshot? I can’t really tell the difference so I’m looking for some guidance (peace of mind) from Detective Seargent Julien Filander. He doesn’t look too troubled. I can relax… just a little.

Back to Julien’s childhood. Gangs bring a sense of belonging to their recruits. Julien lost a very close friend, shot during an argument about drugs. The fighting is territorial and the rivals of the Bad Boys in the east were the Westsiders, a group of lads besotted with American hip hop. “The way to make quick money is to kill someone from a rival gang” explained Julien, “and it wasn’t long before I found myself pointing a gun at my enemy. Mercifully the trigger jammed. If it hadn’t, I would have had a criminal record, and would have been forever denied a working career.”

Julien sold drugs, earning as much as 1,000 Rand per day (the equivalent of £55). Julien regretfully knifed a classmate and was removed from the school and dragged along to the local police station. “Julien”, said the Warrant Officer “if you’re going to be a gangster, you’ll either be heading for prison, or death”. He didn’t press charges and Julien was released with a warning and a few swings of a belt.

Three years later Julien joined the police force and, ironically, the generous Warrant Officer became his Commander.

Julien has now been a detective in the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) for more than a decade. And because of his history he understands the mentality of the gangs. “They’ll do anything for money. They’ll kill. They’ll sell drugs. They’ll think there’s no hope in life. They’ll think that because they were born into poverty they have a right to money.”

Julien believes that Goal50 has had a huge impact on the townships. “Food, football and hope are three great distractions from poverty” he explains, ”the charity’s food programmes feed thousands each week. The innocence and distraction of football activity is just what our Heideveld community needs.”

Julien is a huge asset to the charity, bringing his knowledge and experience through his role as Chaplain for Goal50’s football squad. He offers a listening ear and practical support, as young lads struggle with the lure of drugs and alcohol as well as the pressure to perform on the pitch. Football is a great vehicle for creating community.

In the words of South Africa’s Minister for Sport, Gayton McKenzie, “A child in sport, is a child out of court”. Wise words.

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