Gauteng Liquor Board joins against ‘pens down’ parties
The Gauteng Liquor Board says alcohol-fuelled parties following the conclusion of the matric exams persist despite repeated warnings of the dangers they pose.
The warning against so-called ‘pens down’ parties follows the conclusion of final exams last week.
Gauteng Liquor Board Director Client Relations, Cleo Bodibe-Lushaba says these events are often associated with excessive alcohol consumption and risky behaviour.
She also warned that selling alcohol to minors could land traders behind bars.
“Following the tragic deaths of 21 youths at Enyobeni Tavern in East London in 2022 and multiple incidents during 2023 ‘pens down’ parties, including fatal car crashes and hospitalisations, the GLB is calling for urgent action to prevent further loss of life,” Bodibe-Lushaba said.
“The urgency of this issue is underscored by recent incidents. In December 2023, three pupils from Mnyanande Secondary School in Durban tragically lost their lives in a car crash after attending a “pens down” party. Similarly, five learners from Dinwiddie High School in Germiston died in a similar incident. In Kwa-Thema, Springs, unsupervised parties led to alarming incidents of overconsumption and other harmful behaviours.”
Fati Manamela, the chief director of the Gauteng Liquor Board, said awareness programmes and repeated cautions have not had the impact they had hoped.
“Parents and guardians significantly influence their children’s decisions. We urge them to stay vigilant and actively discourage their children from attending these unsafe parties,” said Manamela
“This is a critical period in their lives they are future leaders who should be focused on achieving their dreams of higher education and meaningful careers.”
ALSO READ
