The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is requesting the Class of 2026 to refrain from Pens Down Parties to mark the end of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Although the end of the examination is a significant milestone with the spirit of celebration running high, the Department is reminding all South Africans about the associated risks as gatherings often evolve into situations where the safety and dignity of learners are compromised.
These parties often include major dangers and risks such as substance abuse and underage drinking: violence, assault, and crime: reckless driving and road accidents: unsafe sexual practices: vandalism and behavioural misconduct: fatalities and mass tragedies; and compromised futures.
The safety of all learners remains a shared responsibility, and parents, guardians, teachers, principals and School Safety Committees are requested to work together to maintain open dialogue about real risks, whilst remaining vigilance in monitoring rumours of gatherings.
The National School Safety Framework, the school’s code of conduct and the safety plan should be used as a guide. School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and community stakeholders hold a moral and legal responsibility to support safe, dignified celebrations and to mobilise community watch structures, whilst partnering with local law enforcement.
The Class of 2026 is cautioned to celebrate safely, responsibly, and with dignity. Pens Down gatherings can spiral out of control when there is no planning or responsible adult supervision. Without proper oversight, the risks escalate sharply, from dangerous levels of drinking and violent altercations to damage to property and serious threats to personal safety. A moment of reckless celebration can overshadow the 12 years of discipline and effort invested. Also, matrics and their parents are requested to donate their school uniforms to less fortunate peers to help kit out a Grade 11 learner to proudly join the Class of 2027.
Let the end of the examinations be a time of responsible celebrations and resurgence, whilst awaiting the announcement of the national results on 11 January and the provincial announcement on 12 January 2027.