Durban – As the matric final examinations concluded today, the IFP in KwaZulu-Natal said that all ‘pens down’ celebrations should be banned.
“With the discovery of the new Omicron variant in South Africa, these events could easily become super-spreader events,” it said.
The IFP added that it would be difficult for youngsters to ensure that they wear masks, sanitise their hands regularly and maintain social distance at such parties.
“Allowing parties to take place is nothing more than a recipe for disaster, as they are also destructive in nature. Unprotected sex and the use of illegal substances are often a fixture of these 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,” it said.
The IFP said that the department of education should send a clear message 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. In the interest of protecting their children from this new Covid-19 variant, and for their general safety and wellbeing, parents must denounce such parties. It would be tragic for young people with their whole future before them to lose their lives,” it said.
The rising number of Covid-19 infections amid the fourth wave caused both the Ballito Rage Festival and the Plettenberg Rage festival to be cancelled.
Last week KZN Education head of department Dr Barney Mthembu said that matric pupils should not be attending end of examination parties as these could become super spreader events.
THE MERCURY