Enyobeni Tavern in East London, where teenagers died during a pens down party.
MATRICS have been warned about the “pens down” parties.Â
With the class of 2024 wrapping up their school year, parents are being warned about these potentially deadly parties.
The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and National Senior Certificate (NSC) pupils finish their final exams on Thursday, 28 November.
NSC pupils will complete their matric exams in Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) Paper 1.
Following the tragic 2022 deaths of 21 youths at Enyobeni Tavern in East London’s Scenery Park, the World Changers Candidate (WCC) is urging caution.
WCC chairman Lucas Mahlakgane highlighted the persistent danger of underage drinking linked to “pens down” parties, despite ongoing warnings.
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“The fact that we are seeing no end to these booze-fuelled end of exam parties in spite of growing efforts being made to caution young people about their danger is to us an indication of the magnitude of the problem we’re faced with as a country,” said Mahlakgane.Â
Mahlakgane reiterated the WCC’s stern campaign message: “Pens-Downs aren’t fun, they lead to death.”
He urged parents and caregivers to prevent these parties from happening.
“Parents have a significant influence on their children’s decisions, especially in preventing unsafe parties. They must take an interest in their children’s lives during and after school, especially at this crucial time,” he said.
He recalled that in 2023, pupils their lives in “pens down” celebrations.
“In December, three pupils from Mnyanande Secondary School in Durban died in a car crash post-party. Another incident in East London saw five teens hospitalised after over-drinking.
“In Ekurhuleni, five Dinwiddie High School pupils died in a car crash, while in Kwa-Thema, Springs, kids had a park party that led to shocking incidents,” Mahlakgane said.
He insisted that prevention is vital.
“As parents, we must guide our children not to attend these parties. These pupils are future leaders and need to pursue their dreams at universities and colleges,” he said.
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