IFP warns against ‘pens down’ parties in KZN

With the conclusion of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on Monday, some pupils across the country are preparing to stick to year-end traditions and go celebrate with their fellow classmates. 

IFP KZN provincial spokesperson for education, Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa says these pens down parties could easily become super-spreader events. 

“With the discovery of the new Omicron variant in South Africa, these events could easily become super-spreader events,” says Madlopha-Mthethwa.  

“The IFP believes that it would be difficult for youngsters to ensure that they wear masks, sanitise their hands regularly, and maintain social distancing."

Mthethwa says allowing such parties to take place is a recipe for disaster. 

“Such parties…also destructive in nature. Unprotected sex and the use of illegal substances are often a fixture of the parties and, in the past, matric final exam celebrations have claimed the lives of many young people through car accidents and violence meted out against one another.” 

She added that the KZN Department of Education must ban all events and hold those who break the rules accountable. 

“A clear message must be sent out that anyone found to be staging such an event will be held accountable. Further, the IFP urges schools and parents to be alert, as some of these parties are planned secretly by learners,” says Madlopha-Mthethwa.