Africa-Press – South-Africa. With the class of 2022 concluding the National Senior Certificate examinations this week, thousands of pupils across the country are gearing up to attend various festivals and parties to celebrate.
Department of Basic Education Elijah Mhlanga said the “pens down parties” after exams were “negative” and that pupils needed to be responsible when out celebrating.
Mhlanga also called on parents to be mindful of where their children will be.
“There is always something negative that is coming out [of these parties], where young people resort to these types of entertainment, which is dangerous. We are saying, ‘please refrain from this type of behaviour which will get you into trouble for all sorts of reasons’,” said Mhlanga.
Mhlanga said about 1 200 pupils who attended “pens down parties” were infected with Covid-19 in 2020.
“The greatest care should be taken [but] it’s even better if you were to avoid [attending these parties], as young people,” Mhlanga added.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said while several smaller exams would still be written next week, they were mindful of the two large matric Rage events in Plettenberg Bay and Ballito this weekend.
Maynier said:
“It is understandable that the class of 2022 would like to let their hair down and celebrate the end of a difficult few years at school, but we urge them to do so responsibly and in moderation, especially in terms of alcohol consumption.”
Free State education department spokesperson Howard Ndaba said they were grateful that the exams in the province went smoothly without incident.
“We urge learners who are still writing to strictly observe the rules of the exams till [next week] and to celebrate responsibly by desisting from consuming alcohol and other intoxicating drugs. We wish them the best of luck in their results,” Ndaba said.
Northern Cape education department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe cautioned matric pupils against conducting themselves in an irresponsible manner.
Van der Merwe added:
He said while the department acknowledged the hard work done and high levels of stress experienced by matric pupils, it shouldn’t be an excuse for “misbehaving in public spaces”.
The stern warning from officials comes as the popular Rage festival makes its comeback after a two-year halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The festival in Ballito is set to host more than 4 000 matric pupils from across the country from 2 to 10 December.
This is the first time in two years that the popular festival will operate at full capacity. In 2020 and 2021, the festival was forced to halt its annual events early due to lockdown restrictions.
Ballito Rage spokesperson Darren Sandras told News24 safety was paramount.
Sandras said:
According to Sandras, all attendees are given a radio-frequency identification wristband, which contains all their key information.
“The wristband is scanned at all entry points to ensure the organisers can locate and assist festivalgoers should the need arise. The bar and security staff are fully trained to be extra vigilant and aware of potential risky situations. Rage Festival also works with the local SAPS and private security, taxi and transport partners and numerous volunteer support organisations to maximise the safety of attendees,” added Sandras.
“Ballito Rage has for many years contributed positively to tourism and [has been] a boost to the local economy as attendees visit the area. This includes accommodation, restaurants, shopping and other activities that happen outside of the main festival zones.”
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