The 21 teenagers who tragically died at a “pens down” party hosted at the Enyobeni tavern in East London will be laid to rest today in a mass funeral service which will be held at the Scenery Park Sports Ground.
Also read: Thirteen-year-old deceased at the Enyobeni tavern and more updates
President Cyril Ramaphosa along with many dignitaries will be attending the funeral.
Deputy Mayor of the Buffalo City Municipality, Princess Faku said, “The premier of the province will be present, the president will be here. The Minister of SA Police, the Minister of Social Development, and other ministers. As you can see even today the portfolio committee of women, youth, and children and people of disabilities are here engaging with the community.”
This tragedy has brought to light the need for stronger regulations governing the sale of alcohol and the illegal sale of alcohol to minors in particular.
Also Read: Ramaphosa vs SA’s alcohol culture – Time for change or a hopeless pursuit?
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board has partnered with The Buffalo City Metro to prevent another tragedy of this kind from happening.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said: “This incident has opened our eyes to a number of areas where we need to strengthen. That [strengthening] needs a collective effort. We have seen some weaknesses in the current existing Act. We have already embarked on the process of reviewing the Act and looking at issues of demarcation. So that you don’t operate everywhere you want to [operate].”
Buffalo City Metro’s Deputy Mayor Princess Faku has been visiting taverns to check on compliance which has been welcomed by tavern owners.
Tavern owner, Thundezile Moya said, “It is very important to comply and respect your business so that it can run smoothly even though we don’t like to be monitored every now and again.”
Patrons are also feeling a sense of relief with the new initiative as it allows a safer environment for their children.
“The problem is that children have got so many rights; that’s why it is easy for them to do what they want, government must limit children’s rights.”
Another patron says; “This is a good initiative, I’m hoping that they are not only doing it because of the incident at Enyobeni, there must be regular oversight.”
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Thirteen-year-old deceased at the Enyobeni tavern and more updates
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery
