Throb trust to revive bursary fund

THE Chatsworth Youth Development Trust is looking to revive the bursary fund in the name of the 13 victims of the Throb nightclub tragedy.

Members of the trust are now looking to fill two vacant positions on the trust.

The Throb nightclub tragedy happened on March 24, 2000, when a stampede broke out after the detonation of a teargas canister at the Throb nightclub in Chatsworth. This resulted in the deaths of 13 children, the youngest being 11 years old. A bursary fund was set up in their memory.

Les Govender, who is one of the trustees, said in terms of the trust deed, they need to have public participation.

“We are now calling on people who are familiar with the rules and regulations of being a trustee and have the time to serve voluntarily to apply. The closing date for applications for the two positions is Tuesday, May 24,” said Govender. The current trustees include members of the provincial legislature, an accountant, a nurse and two parents of children who died.

Govender said that money was donated initially to assist the families with funeral arrangements and medical expenses. “It was then decided that the money that remained be put into a trust and bursaries be given to needy children,” he said. He said there was about R280000 in the trust account.