We need to soul search if we are to stop failing youth

The investigation into the deaths of 21 youths — most of them teenagers — at Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park is ongoing. No doubt, the exact cause of their deaths will become clear in due course. But, when more than 20 young people die needlessly in a place like a tavern, the tragedy is so stark that we look to lay blame it on someone. How is it that children as young as 13 are getting into these places in the first place?

As much as we may want to blame the victims here, we should not. Adolescents are intellectually, physically, and socially immature, undergoing confusing hormonal and other changes. They are simply not yet cut out to make good life decisions on their own.

It is up to adults to guide and supervise them. Parents, teachers, politicians and other leaders in society need to set the example, set boundaries and provide our children with healthy and attractive alternatives to the destructive behaviour they lean towards.

Instead, as we approach our third decade of democracy, our society remains skewed in a way that bedevils too many of our children’s futures.

The majority grow up in severe poverty with very few apparent avenues out of it. Poor educational outcomes, unemployment and an environment where their physical and mental development will likely be affected by violence, crime and hunger, leave them with little chance at a decent future.

Fractured families, unsupportive fathers — many of whom are also in their teens — and child and youth-headed households, are common in this country. Our governmental social welfare nets meant to catch and support our youth are inconsistently applied and full of holes.

Our criminal justice system also consistently fails the youth. We all know that schoolchildren are often allowed into taverns in contravention of the law. Police and our communities tend to turn a blind eye.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board has revoked Enyobeni’s liquor licence with immediate effect. But what was it doing before that? Its job is also to check premises where liquor is sold. Reports suggest serious overcrowding in a venue with one entry and exit. It also seems unlikely that this was the only occasion where underage patrons were allowed on the premises.

It is of little use that one tavern loses its licence after a tragedy. The tragedy should never have happened in the first place.

If we are looking for someone to blame for this incident, our society needs to look deep within itself. We are failing our youth. Enyobeni is just one of many consequences of this failure.