Following the backlash regarding the symbolic mass funeral held for the youngsters who died in the Enyobeni Tavern disaster, the Eastern Cape government yesterday sought to clarify the decision and said President Cyril Ramaphosa had no hand in it.
Ramaphosa, Eastern Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Police Minister Bheki Cele were among the mourners who attended.
However, Ramaphosa was dragged into the furore after it emerged that the coffins were actually empty.In a media statement yesterday, the provincial government said it had noted the reaction of some citizens, and “wishes to inform South Africans that the modalities of the service came as a result of broader consultations between the next of kin, Avbob [Funeral Services] and government”.
“It should be noted that the planning of the symbolic mass funeral service and the related consultations with the families and other stakeholders, did not include the presidency.“The president conveyed his desire to attend the funeral, however, his office was never fully appraised on the details or consultation outcomes that agreed on the symbolic mass funeral service,” the statement added.
It’s still not clear why the youngsters – mostly teenagers – died. Police have said that their investigations are still under way. Most of the victims were to be laid to rest this weekend.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Enyobeni fake funeral: what was Ramaphosa thinking? | CitypressIt was going to be reminiscent of the Boipatong, Sebokeng and Shobashobane mass funerals of the 1990s.
Read more »
Families of the Enyobeni tavern victims objected to mass 'fake funeral'The Eastern Cape government and Buffalo City Metro could be reported to the Public Protector for going ahead with the mass funeral for the 21 youngsters who died at the Enyobeni tavern last month, even though the families had objected.
Read more »
Government shouldn't have held 'fake' Enyobeni mass funeral with empty coffins, against wishes - EFF | News24The families of the 21 youngsters who died at the Enyobeni tavern last month objected to a mass funeral for their loved ones, but the Eastern Cape government and Buffalo City Metro went ahead and organised the service with empty coffins. | MaliDayimani
Read more »
Watch | Gordhan hits out at ‘fake news and disinformation’ after Wits chaos | CitypressGordhan spoke about a new version of state capture that was surfacing, which threatened to drag the country back into corruption. Chaos erupted when the question and answer session started between Gordhan and the students.
Read more »
Taxi rivals lock horns in court over May elections | CitypressLegal arguments in the court application to reverse the May election of the new SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) president Abner Tsebe continues. The association filed opposing papers pleading that the matter was not urgent.
Read more »