Matrics urged to party responsibly during 2023 Rage

In less than two weeks, thousands of matriculants will be descending on the KwaZulu-Natal coast or Plettenberg Bay to party.

Local teenagers will start celebrating the end of their academic year by either partying locally or travelling to one of the domestic rage hotspots to attend the annual Rage Festival taking place between December 1-10.

Matric learners were this week urged to party safely and responsibly.

Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity Services Group, says that while safety is a priority for the event organisers at many of these raves, everyone who attends should also take responsibility for their safety.

She offers these easy safety tips for Grade 12 learners on their way to Matric Rage events:

– If you’re driving, make sure you consider installing a tracking app like Secure Drive where your location is updated on the mobile applications every two seconds providing true real-time live tracking. Knowing exactly where you are means accident alerts can be received in real-time, resulting in faster emergency dispatching where every second counts.

– Theft alerts or panic button activations similarly will save lives when response units are dispatched without delay.

– Before leaving your accommodation for the day or night, ensure that anything valuable is locked away in a drawer or safe.

– Never carry large amounts of cash or go out wearing flashy or expensive jewellery.

– If your accommodation is a holiday house or apartment, make sure all the doors are locked, the windows are properly shut and the alarm is activated if a system is installed.

– When out at an event or activity, be aware of your surroundings and arrange with your friends to keep an eye on each other and belongings.

– If you are approached by a suspicious individual; walk away and report it to the closest security guard or police.

– Do not accept a drink from a stranger or leave your drink unattended. Spiking of drinks is still rife.

– If you leave you accommodation, tell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return. Save or memorise their number and the details of the contact person in the event of an emergency. Save their number as one of your ICE (in case of emergency) contacts.

When it is time to return to your accommodation:

– Never leave without your friends.
– Do not accept a lift from a stranger; rather use transport provided by the event organisers.
– Driving after a few drinks is never an option. Call a cab or use event shuttles if they are available instead.
– Consider appointing a designated driver or someone who agrees not to drink and will be responsible for getting everyone home safely.

Hattingh urges parents and caregivers to have a conversation with their kids about these safety tips, to help prepare them.

“The reality is that matrics will be partying, and they have certainly earned the chance to blow off some steam. Let us encourage them to do it as responsibly as possible.

“It may also be worth speaking to your security provider about personal safety apps that are available as well as services such as Meet and Greets to ensure peace of mind,” she says.

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