Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, has requested matrics to refrain from Pens Down Parties to mark the end of the NSC examinations. “I acknowledge that although the end of the exams is indeed a significant milestone, we must not allow celebration to lead to tragedy as the associated risks are real. These events frequently evolve into situations where the safety of our learners is compromised such as alcohol abuse, violence, vandalism, sexual assault, property damage, and even a risk to lives”. The Enyobeni Tavern tragedy of 2022 where 21 young lives were lost during a gathering tied to a pens down culture, is a painful reminder of what can go wrong when celebrations are unsupervised and unregulated.

The safety of learners remains a shared responsibility, as well as the empowerment of less fortunate learners through the donation of school uniforms. Minister Gwarube called on parents and guardians, to maintain open dialogue with their children and to know where they are, who they are with, and insist on responsible ways to celebrate with adult supervision as the first line of protection. Teachers, principals, and School Safety Committees are requested to lead by example as their vigilance matters in monitoring rumours of gatherings, and alerting safety committees and local police, when necessary, along with the school’s code of conduct to be understood and enforced. Use the National School Safety Framework and your school’s safety plan as a guide. School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and community stakeholders hold a moral and legal responsibility and are also requested to support safe, dignified celebrations and to mobilise community watch structures whilst partnering with local law enforcement.

Matriculants are cautioned to celebrate safely, responsibly, and with dignity. A moment of reckless celebration can overshadow the years of discipline and effort invested, as the end of the examinations is only a milestone along the way to a bright future and success. The DBE will intensify our monitoring and joint efforts with the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipal authorities, and community structures. Any gatherings that endanger learners, involve underage alcohol consumption, or degrade public safety will face swift action.

Let us together ensure that the end of exams is not the beginning of regret. Let it be a time of hope, of responsible celebrations marked by the dignity you have earned, whilst you await the announcement of the national results on 12 January and the provincial announcement on 13 January 2026.