Community has mixed views on ‘after-tears’ parties
KwaThema- Seeing young people drunk and dressed in short skirts and dresses after a funeral seems to be a popular occurrence in South Africa’s urban townships.
This behaviour, however, is not welcomed by some residents of Kwatsaduza.
A 72-year-old man from KwaThema, Themba Mdluli, says the ‘after-tears’ parties that have taken over in the townships do not embrace or respect culture.
“There must be silence and mourning after the death of someone, not a party,” said Mdluli.
Mdluli is convinced the parties are killing black culture.
Tsakane resident Karabo Mokoena (22) says he enjoys the parties as they take away the sorrow of losing someone close to you.
“Others misinterpret this kind of a party and only associate them with drugs and alcohol,” he says.
He explains the party is held to bid farewell to the deceased in a youth culture way.
“The youth understand music and dance, which is why we say our last goodbyes in a way in which the deceased would have liked,” he says.
He appealed to residents to let young people do what they believe will help them cope with the loss of a friend or loved one.
