One year since Enyobeni Tavern tragedy

It has been exactly one year since the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 young people at a local shabeen.

The families of those who died in the tragedy are still mourning the loss of their loved ones and continue to seek justice for the tragic death of their children.

The incident sent shock waves across South Africa and especially in the Eastern Cape with citizens demanding that authorities get to the bottom of what happened. The teenagers were reportedly at the tavern celebrating the end of mid-year exams.

Both local and national authorities swiftly launched an investigation into the incident, determined to find answers and to ensure that such a tragedy would never be repeated.

Initial findings revealed that the teenagers suffocated to death forensic authorities said that traces of methanol were found in their bodies.

This brought even more confusion and little comfort to parents and community members who demanded that those responsible for the tragedy be brought to book.

In total three forensic reports have been released by authorities since the tragedy occurred with all of them resulting in asphyxiation.

asphyxiation : noun
deprivation of oxygen that can result in unconsciousness and often death “the cause of death was asphyxiation”

The trial against the owners of the Enyobeni tavern, Vuyokazi, and Siyakhangela Ndevu is still ongoing and is yet to be heard in the East London Magistrates court. The pair is facing charges for the illegal sale of alcohol to minors and will return to court next month.

Curbing underage drinking

Alcohol Harms Reduction campaign manager Nickolaus Bauer says government must keep to its word as it assured residents that action will be taken to curb underage drinking and alcohol abuse.

Bauer says renewed legislation governing the sale and marketing of alcohol however remains stalled in the national assembly.

“The draft Liquor Amendment Bill of 2016 limits alcohol advertising, sales and consumption. But there’s been no movement on the Bill for over seven years. Moreover, the 2013 Control of Marketing of Alcoholic Beverages Bill seems to have died a silent death since it was approved by cabinet for public comment over a decade ago.”

Bauer added that the legislation would have completely banned alcohol advertising but was never actually released to the public.

“Studies clearly indicate marketing of alcoholic beverages directly contributes to destructive consumption patterns and potential misuse – especially among the youth. Talk is cheap and government needs to walk the talk on this issue.”

A commemorative gathering with family members, church leaders, and community members took place at the Scenery Park community hall on Monday morning in honour of the teenagers.