By Staff Writer
- Education officials warn about dangerous ‘pens down’ parties as final matric exams end.
- Police worry about drunk driving and drug abuse at celebration parties across the country.
Education bosses are begging parents to keep their children safe as thousands of matrics plan wild celebration parties after finishing their final exams.
The authorities’ request comes as pupils across the country finish their 12 years of basic education.
Police are especially worried about “pens down” parties, which often lead to drunk driving and drug abuse.
The five-week matric exam season ended on Wednesday. KwaZulu-Natal had the most learners writing, with more than 172,000 full-time students sitting for their finals.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier has asked students to be careful when celebrating.
“Students should know the safety rules at events and never drink and drive,” he said.
Eastern Cape police say “pens down” parties are dangerous. These parties often see teens drinking too much alcohol, taking drugs and behaving recklessly.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says matric results will still be printed in newspapers, even though some people worry this breaks privacy rules. She says newspapers help many students who can’t get their results online.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said no exam papers were leaked this year. The province has hired 9,390 people to mark the papers at 32 centres from 1-10 December.
Important dates:
* Marking will finish on 18 December.
* The minister will announce the national results on 13 January 2025.
* Students can get their own results from schools and online from 10am on 14 January.
Pictured above: A year-end party.
Source: Stock
