Liquor board, municipality failed to protect Enyobeni victims – SAHRC
The South African Human Rights Commission has pointed the finger at the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, and the Buffalo City metro in its probe into the Enyobeni tragedy.
Twenty-one teens, of which the youngest was a mere 13 years old, died while attending a ‘pens down’ party at the Enyobeni tavern in East London in 2022.
Delivering the report on Thursday morning, Commissioner Nomahlubi Berlinda Khwinana said there was inadequate enforcement of the liquor regulations.
“Key issues included inadequate enforcement of liquor regulations by the Eastern Cape Liquor Board and the South African Police Service, failure to address community complaints, and insufficient oversight by the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
“Furthermore, national departments such as the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Social Development (DSD) neglected to prioritise crucial legislative measures aimed at curbing alcohol abuse.
“The Enyobeni tragedy further underscores violations of various legal frameworks, including Section 28 of the South African Constitution and international treaties such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“Children's rights to protection from the harmful effects of alcohol were directly compromised, reflecting broader failures in regulatory compliance and enforcement," she said.
The SAHRC recommended that the liquor board implement a moratorium on issuing on-site licenses until the capacity for effective monitoring is bolstered.
"The Enyobeni tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to recalibrate regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to prioritise the protection of children's rights,” said Khwinana.
“While acknowledging the economic contributions of the liquor industry, it is imperative to reassess the societal costs and prioritize the well-being of vulnerable populations.
“The commission calls for decisive action to address systemic deficiencies and safeguard the rights of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable among us.”
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