The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has issued a stern warning to Grade 12 learners, urging them to refrain from hosting or attending “Pens Down” parties — year-end celebrations that typically follow the completion of final exams. The department emphasized that such gatherings often lead to unsafe and disrespectful behavior, and it is calling for more responsible ways to mark this important academic milestone.
In a statement released this week, the KZN Department of Education expressed concern over the growing trend of year-end parties that involve public drinking, vandalism, and inappropriate conduct, including the defacing of school uniforms. The department highlighted that these activities are not in line with the values of respect and responsibility that schools work hard to instil in students throughout their academic journeys.
“These actions undermine the core values of respect and responsibility that we strive to instill in our learners,” the department said. “While the end of exams is a major achievement, learners are urged to celebrate in ways that reflect dignity and respect for themselves, their peers, and their community.”
The department’s warning comes as the festive season approaches, marking the end of the Grade 12 exams. MEC Sipho Hlomuka of the KZN Department of Education reminded learners that while the conclusion of exams is an important milestone, it should be celebrated responsibly.
“We commend our learners for completing this critical chapter of their academic journey, but we cannot condone activities that place them and others at risk,” said Hlomuka. “Let us prioritise safety, respect for property, and the wellbeing of our communities during this time.”
The department also urged parents, guardians, and communities to work closely with schools to prevent risky “Pens Down” events. “Learners should remember that their actions not only impact themselves but also reflect on their schools and families,” Hlomuka added.
The warning from the KZN Department of Education follows a tragic incident in June 2022, when 21 young people lost their lives at a Pens Down party in the Eastern Cape. The incident occurred at the Enyobeni Tavern, where attendees, mostly teenagers, were celebrating the end of their exams. A stampede broke out, resulting in the tragic deaths. In the aftermath, the tavern owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, were charged and convicted for selling alcohol to minors.
The Enyobeni tragedy has cast a dark shadow over the tradition of “Pens Down” parties, drawing attention to the dangers of unsupervised gatherings and the risks posed by alcohol and overcrowding. The KZN Department of Education has made it clear that they will not tolerate events that put learners’ safety in jeopardy.
In addition to the department’s statement, community leaders and educators are calling for greater vigilance and collaboration to ensure that celebrations do not spiral out of control. “It is crucial that we work together to prevent these tragic incidents from happening again,” Hlomuka said. “Parents and communities play an important role in guiding our youth, especially during these crucial moments in their lives.”
As the final exams conclude, the Department of Education is urging all learners to reflect on their achievements with dignity and make responsible choices that will safeguard their future.
