Parliament, Thursday, 30 June 2022 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba, has expressed her sadness on the tragic death of the 21 children who died in Enyobeni tavern in Scenery Park in East London last Saturday.
Ms Ncube-Ndaba said their deaths are a painful and difficult affair. “Parents and families place their hopes for the continuation and sustainability of their homes in the future on their children. Also, communities and the nation count young people among its treasures,” said Ms Ncube-Ndaba.
Ms Ncube-Ndaba has learnt that these tragic deaths are still being investigated by the police. She appealed to the people of East London and the entire Amathole community to assist the bereaved families during this extremely difficult time, as they battle to accept the loss of their children, especially in a tragic situation such as this one. “The committee calls on all those who are close to the bereaved families to provide comfort and consoling support to them. Furthermore, we are calling for cooperation with the police during the investigations,” said Ms Ncube-Ndaba.
The committee also calls on the owners of taverns and other places of entertainment, where the majority of customers are young people, to ensure that regulations, especially those relating to access and closing times, are strictly applied. “Places of entertainment should not be death traps for young people,” reiterated Ms Ncube-Ndaba.
The committee will visit Enyobeni tavern as part of its planned oversight visit to the Eastern Cape. Members of the committee will also attend the funeral of the victims to pay their last respects to them.
The committee extends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased children. May their souls rest in eternal peace.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, MS NONHLANHLA NCUBE-NDABA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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