Glenville Boeda Fransman writes…
No parent should have to wake up to the news that their teenage child had died in a nightclub or tavern the previous night. South Africans from all walks of life have every reason to be outraged at the news that more than 20 youngsters between the ages of 13 and 18 died in the Eastern Cape.
Our country’s biggest challenge is leadership and lawlessness. We, as parents, are too concerned with the rights of children, forgetting our Godly vows to raise our children in the ways of the Lord. When we look at the current state of our government departments and munici- palities, it is clear that our officials do not have pride in what they do, the service they deliver, the investigation process, visibility of police doing spot checks at these clubs and events.
So many things could have been done to prevent this kind of tragedy. Was there security at the venue?
As a parent, you cannot go to bed without knowing where your child is. Even if they are going to sleep over at a friend’s place, you must confirm with the friend’s parents that they are there and they are safe. That is not just your responsibility, but it is a priority.
Parents cannot expect school teachers to teach our children respect and discipline; this must be taught at home. Some will blame the parents, and some will blame the government but the bottom line is, before God and God alone, every parent will have to give answers.
A solid family structure offers children and youth a sense of security and control in a world full of uncertainty and helps them create healthy habits that last into adulthood. Parents need to teach doing something to the best of one’s ability, being accountable for one’s behaviour, accepting credit when you do things right, acknowledging mistakes and being a contributing member of one’s family, community, and society.
While a few good men and women take a stand against the destruction of our youth through social ills like crime, drugs, alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy and prostitution, we cannot win this fight if we are not united as a country.
As a parent and youth and community leader, I wish to convey our deepest condolences and keep the bereaved families in our prayers during this time of pain. Some are still trying to make sense of what really happened.
