Ramaphoa Angers South Africans With Attendance at Enyobeni Tavern Tragedy Mass Funeral

President Cyril Ramaphosa irked South Africans with his decision to attend the mass funeral for the victims of the Enyobeni tavern tragedy that will take place on Wednesday, 6 July at Scenery Park Sports Field.
The death of the 21 underage victims who died at a tavern in Scenery Park in East London last month, allegedly due to chemical poisoning, gripped the nation.
Ramaphosa’s plan to attend the funeral has caused a massive debate on social media after he announced through his weekly newsletter that he would join the service along with Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane and other leadership. According to TimesLIVE, Ramaphosa condemned underage drinking and encouraged the community to combat the vice.
He said alcohol use among adolescents is associated with impaired function, absenteeism from learning, alcohol-related injuries, suicidal thoughts and attempts and risky behaviour. Ramaphosa also encouraged families to have conversations about alcohol and setting boundaries.
However, the African National Congress Youth League Regional Chair Ondela Hlokomane told SABC News that Ramaphosa was not welcome at the funeral. He said he understood that Ramaphosa was there to mourn but questioned the capabilities of his government. Hlokomane said the president’s presence would mean nothing to the youth of Scenery Park.