As the Matric Class of 2024 approaches the end of their final exams, there is growing concern over the “pens down” parties that follow. These parties, often marked by excessive drinking and risky behaviour, have been linked to numerous tragic incidents in recent years. As pupils from both the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and National Senior Certificate (NSC) finish their exams this week, parents and guardians are being urged to take extra precautions.
The warnings come in the wake of several tragedies, most notably the 2022 deaths of 21 young people at Enyobeni Tavern in East London. The World Changers Candidate (WCC), an organisation committed to youth safety, has once again raised the alarm about the dangers associated with these celebrations. WCC chairman Lucas Mahlakgane expressed his deep concern about the persistent trend of underage drinking during these end-of-exam parties, despite repeated public appeals for caution. “The fact that we are seeing no end to these booze-fuelled end-of-exam parties in spite of growing efforts to caution young people about their dangers is a stark indication of the magnitude of the problem,” Mahlakgane said.
Mahlakgane’s message was clear: “Pens-downs aren’t fun, they lead to death.” He emphasized the crucial role parents play in preventing these dangerous gatherings. “Parents have a significant influence on their children’s decisions, especially in preventing unsafe parties. They must take an active interest in their children’s lives, particularly at this crucial time,” he urged. With exam results around the corner, it is essential for parents to maintain open communication and monitor their children’s activities during this potentially risky period.
The WCC’s call for vigilance is not without reason. In December 2023, three students from Mnyanande Secondary School in Durban tragically lost their lives in a car crash following a “pens down” party. Similarly, in East London, five teenagers were hospitalised after over-drinking at a similar celebration. Other incidents across South Africa, including car accidents and altercations linked to parties, further highlight the dangers of these events. Mahlakgane reiterated that the best way to protect young people is through prevention. “As parents, we must guide our children and discourage them from attending these parties. They are the future leaders of this country, and we must help them focus on their futures—at universities, colleges, and beyond,” he concluded.
In these final weeks after exams, the safety and well-being of South Africa’s youth must remain a top priority. Parents, teachers, and communities must stand united in ensuring that this time of celebration does not turn into a time of sorrow.
