As the end-of-year examinations reach a conclusion, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has learnt with shock and grave concern of posters circulating on social media platforms marketing Pens Down parties to be hosted at the conclusion of the exams.
According to the ECLB chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Nombuyiselo Makala, many grades will soon finish their examinations, and there is a growing fear across the Eastern Cape that some learners may be organising Pens Down parties (ukuhlamba iphepha).
She added that communities are urged to be extremely vigilant during this time to do everything possible to thwart these parties from being hosted.
“We wish to send a stern warning to our learners never to organise the Pens Down parties so as to avoid an eventuality similar to the Enyobeni Tavern incident.
“Our strong warning also goes to all liquor traders to refrain from hosting these Pens Down parties in their liquor outlets, and where a liquor trader is found to have permitted young people to arrange the parties in their outlets immediate action will be taken against such a liquor trader.”
Makala added that their liquor inspectors, working with members of the South African Police Services (SAPS), will be closely monitoring liquor outlets that might be used for the Pens Down parties.
She said that parents, civil society, community leaders, and members of the community are urged to be on the lookout for the movements and whereabouts of children during this time, and where these parties are suspected they must be reported to the nearest police station of the Eastern Cape Liquor Board by calling the Toll-Free Line 080 000 0420 or sending a WhatsApp message to 076 403 6223.
“In some instances taxis transport young people to public places, such as beaches and parks, and in this regard we wish to urge our taxi owners and parental drivers to play a parental role in ensuring that they do not allow young people to carry and indulge in alcohol while in transit in their taxis.
“Following a myriad of regrettable incidents that have occurred due to the Pens Down parties, ECLB is taking every necessary precaution to ensure that these parties are prevented from being organised.
“Young people are encouraged to look for other means of celebrating the end of examinations, without indulging in alcohol.”
