As the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations commence this week, the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) is appealing to all liquor outlets, taverns, restaurants and event venues across the province to show extra consideration to the province’s matric learners.

The MER’s CEO, Vusi Mtsweni, made a public call for traders to facilitate a ‘calm, study-friendly environment’ by keeping music and general noise levels low.

“Matric exams are a decisive milestone. As a province, we all have a responsibility to give the learners the quiet, supportive conditions they deserve. We appreciate every trader who does the right thing, your co-operation makes a real difference,” Mtsweni said.

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He stressed the need for heightened responsibility among all liquor traders during this critical examination period.

His request included:

• Noise reduction: Keeping noise levels down and reducing music volume.
• Outdoor speakers: Avoiding the use of outdoor speakers late at night.
• Compliance: Strictly complying with municipal by-laws and licence conditions.
• Patron monitoring: Monitoring queues and patron behaviour outside their premises.
• Age verification: Enforcing age verification at all times with ID checks and strictly adhering to no sales to minors, as required by liquor legislation.
• Refusing secondary supply: Declining sales to adults who intend to pass alcohol to under 18s.
• Licence adherence: Operating strictly within licence conditions, including adherence to trading hours and all other requirements.

Beyond the liquor industry, Mtsweni also called on the wider community to play their part.

He urged parents and community members not to offer or supply alcohol to minors under any circumstances. Furthermore, households and neighbourhoods are encouraged to support quiet study time, reserving celebrations until after the examinations are concluded.

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“The future of the learners depends on the NSC, and they need all the support they can get from the community,” Mtsweni added.

The MER confirmed it will continue to work closely with the police, municipalities and community structures to promote compliance and maintain a safe, learner-friendly environment throughout the examination period. The regulator concluded by extending its best wishes to the Matric Class of 2025, expressing confidence in the learners’ focus and dedication and wishing them outstanding results.