NO TO ‘PENS DOWN’ DEATH PARTIES

Government ramps up campaign against dangerous matric bashes

- ANITA NKONKI and WENDY JASSON DA COSTA

WITH matric finals just days away, the thrill of end-of-year “pens-down” parties is clouded by fear. Authorities warn that past celebrations have turned deadly, leaving families to mourn young lives lost. The Departments of Basic Education and Social Development are ramping up nationwide campaigns to prevent another tragedy.

The push to curb “pens down” parties comes after repeated incidents of substance abuse, reckless driving, and alcohol poisoning. The risks were highlighted at Dinwiddie High School in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, where five learners died in a pens-down party-related incident in 2023. The tragedy followed the 2022 Enyobeni Tavern disaster in the Eastern Cape, where 21 teenagers died following a party.

Tebello Mkhonto, Substance Abuse director at the Department of Social Development, said the department is “finalising plans for the anti-pens down parties campaign”.

Terrence Khala from the Department of Basic Education said the department will be holding a briefing on Monday, and “pens down” parties is one of the issues that will be addressed.

“We work closely with our provinces and communication teams to ensure consistent information-sharing. This has been particularly strong in provinces such as the Eastern and Western Cape. We do have a campaign planned for this year, which will be unveiled then.”

The campaign's focus varies by province. The DBE has highlighted strong awareness efforts in the Eastern and Western Cape, where these incidents have historically been frequent.