Ntuthuko Maphumulo
The much-awaited interim report on the Ellis Park soccer disaster a year ago contains no recommendations on preventing a recurrence. And, although the report released this week establishes errors on the part of several officials that significantly contributed to 43 deaths, it steers clear of naming any individuals.
Transvaal Judge President Bernard Ngoepe leads the commission of inquiry into the events of April 11 last year, when Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs met in Johannesburg. The match was abandoned 30 minutes after the start, when a crush of spectators trying to get into the stadium sparked off a stampede in the stands that led to the deaths.
The interim report concludes that “no single factor can be said to have been decisive”, but details 14 “factors which preceded the event and which led to the tragedy, and mismanagement”.
These include the failure of the Premier Soccer League to learn from lessons of the past: twice before the league had scheduled matches between the same sides at stadiums too small to accommodate fans, resulting in deaths and injuries. On April 11 there was also no overall command of the joint operation centre; an “inappropriate and untimely announcement” that tickets had been sold out; and failure to adhere to international guidelines stating that games should not start “until the situation inside and outside the stadium is under control”.
An inadequate public address system and the use of tear gas also contributed to the mayhem. “Corrupt” security personnel come in for a lashing in the report: “There was evidence, which could not be disputed, that some members of the security personnel allowed people into the stadium without tickets in return for money.” This led to overcrowding and “agitation” among other spectators. “This corrupt practice is a recipe for gate-crashing,” the report says.
Criticism of the commission’s terms of inquiry which specifically exclude apportioning blame for the tragedy to any individuals is likely to be renewed with the publication of the interim report. Judge Ngoepe will be on leave until June 23, leading to speculation that the clarity everyone has been awaiting will be delayed even further.
Families who lost relatives in the disaster are not happy about the treatment they have received so far from soccer’s officialdom.
The Ellis Park Relief Trust, established a few days after the stampede, had raised R1,8-million by November last year, but has distributed to date just R800 000. And the only aid the families of the deceased and injured have received in the past year is an average of one day of counselling, R15 000 a family, and an extra R2 500 as a gesture of “Christmas goodwill”.
Since the disaster several lawyers have offered free assistance to families wishing to bring civil claims against any parties responsible for the disaster. It is not known whether any families have yet accepted such offers.
A final report was supposed to be handed to Parliament on February 15 but “security and logistical reasons” prevented this, says Graham Abrahams, spokesperson for the minister of sport. No date has been given for the final report, which is expected to make recommendations on avoiding a recurrence.