Call for an end to ‘pens down’ celebrations
Pens down events should be permanently abolished, as these celebrations are often characterised by intoxication and substance abuse, leaving young people vulnerable.
The Inkatha Freedom Party has called on MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbali Frazer, to put a stop to ‘pens down’ festivities in KwaZulu-Natal schools.
The party’s spokesperson for education in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Thembeni Kamadhlopha-Mthethwa, said with the much-reported upward trajectory in human trafficking and Gender-Based Violence, pens down events should be permanently abolished, as these celebrations are often characterised by intoxication and substance abuse, leaving young people vulnerable.
Pens down celebrations are when matric pupils go out and celebrated the end of their National Senior Certificate exams.
Kamadhlopha-Mthethwa said every year in KwaZulu-Natal, thousands of matric pupils sit for their final examinations after a year’s dedication to their studies.
She added that this year, examinations will begin on October 31, and end in early December.
She said that in anticipation, entertainment venues such as clubs, lifestyles and taverns are bracing themselves for hosting ‘pens down’ events.
“Unfortunately, outcomes from these events have proven to be detrimental to students, with some having their dreams shattered due to just a few hours of entertainment. With the much-reported upward trajectory in human trafficking and GBV, pens down events should be permanently abolished, as these celebrations are often characterised by intoxication and substance abuse, leaving young people vulnerable,” she said.
She added that unsuspecting youth are targeted by groups of human traffickers at this time, with learners and even university students reported missing at this time.
Kamadhlopha-Mthethwa said the IFP would also like to urge the youth to be cautious about falling prey to companies and individuals promising them lucrative jobs around this time.
“The media has reported on such incidents, and tragically victims have been reported missing or found dead. Although the completion of exams is to be celebrated, we urge all learners to put safety first, as they have their entire lives ahead of them,” she said.
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