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The tragic death of 47 people at the Ellis Park soccer stadium last night comes as a shock to the National Youth Commission (NYC). The NYC Chair, Jabu Mbalula, who was at the stadium when the incident occurred, described the situation as unbearable, unfortunate and as something that must not happen again to our soccer, or any other sporting event.

The NYC still believes that a better plan could have been put in place considering that most young people are on school holidays and some of those who are working have taken early leave from work to be with their families during this Easter. The other fundamental question is on the choice of the venue for matches of this magnitude which in the past have been moved to the First National Bank (FNB) stadium (the biggest stadium), overturning decisions emanating from home-ground based arguments, in order to avoid incidents of this nature from happening.

"We therefore fully support the announcement by President Thabo Mbeki that an inquiry be conducted to the incident as there are many fundamental questions that the nation would like to have answered by the organizers of the event", said Jabu Mbalula.

The NYC wishes to send its condolences to the families and friends who lost their loved ones at this event, which is the worst to have ever happened in our country.

Contact: Monde Mkalipi on 012-325 3702 / 082 575 3976.

Issued by the National Youth Commission (NYC)

12 April 2001