CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has cautioned Grade 12s to not jeopardise their last weeks of schooling, following reports of unruly behaviour by celebrating pupils at the weekend.
Annual valedictory celebrations, held by matric pupils from various schools at Clifton 4th Beach on Friday, were marred by fighting, assault and malicious damage to property.Police at the scene confiscated about 120 units of alcohol.
Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said the City will be on the lookout for similar activities in the coming days, and will also deploy resources to other public spaces to prevent such incidents.
“The City's by-laws prohibit alcohol on beaches and other public spaces. The fine is R500. In addition, alcohol is confiscated. Approximately 120 units of alcohol were confiscated. While law enforcement did not confiscate any weapons, officers did arrest three suspects.”
Ward councillor Nicola Jowell said the beach was left in a terrible state, and on Saturday over 100 bags of refuse were removed.
“Really disappointing is that this is the outcome after every valedictory on the beach,” she said.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said while the events on Clifton Beach were not school related, the department has asked schools to caution their pupils about celebrating responsibly.
The 2021 National Senior Certificate exams, initially scheduled to commence on November 1, will start on October 27.
“As we run up to the NSC examinations, we also need to continue to be vigilant about Covid-19 and the impact it may have on these candidates.
"While we understand that our matriculants want to celebrate the end of their school career, they should consider if a matric social is worth the risk at this final stage of their school career. We want our candidates to be fit and healthy for these examinations so as to give them the best opportunity to do their best.”
The National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA (Naptosa) said it was an exciting time for the pupils as they were almost at the finish line of their schooling careers. However, they should not lose focus.
“This is the time for them to really be responsible by avoiding large crowds and behaviour that will get them in trouble. As much as we urged schools to spread the message of learner safety, we also urged parents to take charge and encourage good behaviour.”
Cape Times