Cape Town – The Mpumalanga Department of Education has warned pupils to refrain from attending and hosting ‘pens down’ parties as final exams near an end.
The department pleaded with pupils, saying the country does not need another tragedy like the Enyobeni tavern in East London, where 21 teenagers died.
It described the pens down parties as “unruly and reckless”.
“Past experiences have proved these parties lead to disastrous consequences due to lack of adult or parental supervision. Over-indulgence in alcohol and drug intake are common at these parties,” the department said.
It encouraged pupils not to allow peer pressure to get the better of them, but to be wise to make the right choices and be safe.
“Some pupils lose their lives as a result of the reckless behaviour at these parties. Some pupils risk unplanned pregnancies and contracting sexually transmitted diseases as a result of these unruly parties,” it said.
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The department called on parents and community members to join the call to denounce “pens down parties” in the strongest terms.
“Parents are further requested to monitor their children’s movements and conduct and strongly discourage them from engaging in such activities. Let’s join hands to protect our children and safeguard their futures,” the department said.
Earlier this year, 21 teenagers died at the Enyobeni tavern after a night out of drinking and partying to allegedly celebrate “pens down”.
Chemical poisoning was suspected, as post-mortem examinations traces of carbon monoxide were found in the victims.
The tavern owner and two employees were arrested for selling alcohol to minors and appeared in court.
The two employees were fined R2 000 each while according to News24, Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) was taking necessary steps to deal with the tavern, including immediate revocation of the liquor license and laying criminal charges against the license holder.
Charges included the contravention of the Eastern Cape Liquor Act which clearly stipulated that no alcohol shall be sold to persons under the age of 18.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
