With the grade 12 examinations ending soon, the KwaZulu-Natal education department has urged parents and communities to prevent pens-down parties from happening. Learners are also urged to desist from participating in pens-down activities. Last year, three leaners were injured while three others died in a car accident on their way from a pens down party in the province.

DON'T DO IT

Pens-down parties are known to be controversial. Learners usually engage in public drinking and smoking and tear up their uniforms or write on them at whatever location they've picked for themselves. In a statement, the department said: "The pens-down activities undermine the values of respect and responsibility we strive to instil in pupils. Such behaviour not only jeopardises the safety and well-being of the pupils involved but also reflects poorly on the schools and communities they belong to."

LEARNERS ENCOURAGED TO CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY

The department acknowledged the pressure and stress of matric examinations but urged learners to celebrate the milestone of completing their exams responsibly. "We encourage matriculants to donate their school uniforms in gift packs to needy pupils when they collect their results on 14 January 2025," said the department. Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said, "While we commend pupils for completing this critical chapter of their academic journey, we cannot condone activities that place them and others at risk. Let us prioritise safety, respect for property and the well-being of our communities during this time."