The Basic Education Department is expressing concerns over the recent pens-down parties, which are seemingly happening in different communities throughout the country.
This comes as the 2023 matric exams are coming to an end and matriculants are seemingly celebrating their final year of school.
A pens-down celebration is a tradition in South Africa that celebrates the end of school exams, where alcohol is also consumed.
Speaking in a media briefing at the beginning of this month, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said they urge parents and caregivers to keep a close eye on their teens this festive season.
“There are lots of disturbing incidents that we see on social media which we appeal to our kids to avoid. We’ve noted with concern that learners are hosting and attending what we call pens-down parties all over the show. What is clear is that as much as it is a time for celebrating, hundreds of our children are overindulging in alcohol and binge drinking.
“As much as you turned 18 years old and finished your matric year, you must understand that adulthood comes with lifelong responsibilities,” said Motshekga who referred to an incident that occurred at Enyoboni tavern in the
Eastern Cape in June last year where 21 people died during a pens-down celebration at a nightclub, which allegedly sold alcohol to underage children.
