The essay describes the human longing for ritual, for "rites of passage" to mark the movement from one state of being to another. Rituals of transformation are useful in understanding adolescence, and they are part of the tradition of Africa. For this reason, and because adolescents can only be influenced by what is meaningful to them, an understanding of the use of ritual is essential to the construction of the goals and sanctions of a new youth justice system in South Africa. The essay looks at ganging as a rite of passage; gang rituals take on a life-or-death quality, ritual occasions are fraught with perils because gang members' aggressive impulses are accompanied by very few restraints. Programs to turn young people away from crime and gangs should be restorative, inexpensive, tough, magical, emotionally powerful experiences involving meaningful rituals of transformation. The efforts may include mentors, from a ritual guide and teacher in a rites of passage program through the more formal roles of probation officer, to a community buddy in a parole program. Figures, table, references, notes