It is quite saddening that year in and year out the Vaal River Carnival through its association with the ‘BEACH PARTY’ brings with it death amongst the youth. It is not the first time that this carnival event has left young people dead as was the case over the weekend. Young people who are wet behind the ears, some who cannot even properly wash themselves are allowed to indulge in alcohol and explicit sexual acts all in the name of this carnival.

Instead of there being continuous educational programmes during this month, the community annually prepares for disaster. Those liable should bite the bullet and take responsibility for the deaths of the two youths and the rape of another, all underaged.

How in the world does an ELM cashier sell tickets to drunken school children as young as 14? My heart is bleeding as my own daughter will be 14 soon and I swear I would severly deal with the person who allows her into a park, where a huge unruly crowd and free flowing alcohol awaits, trust me.

My heart also bleeds for the family of the ones who died and the young girl that was raped. The question that should also be asked is: who gave the go-ahead for the park to be opened to such a huge drunken young crowd? The person must be held accountable ASAP!

Instead of doing its core function of educating the young people about the rich heritage of this area the ELM through this carnival and by association the ‘BEACH PARTY’, continues to lead these youngsters astray. What is clear and should be dealt with by all means is to find the person that is responsible for all this. I hope MMC Shaka Radebe will keep to his word and do justice to this matter for the sake of the families of all those involved.

lerato.serero@mooivaalmedia.com