Media Statement
To: News Editors and Journalists
Dated: 18 November 2024
MEC Gade urges learners and parents to sa no to pens down celebrations!
As 2024 examinations comes to an end, the Eastern Cape Department of Education MEC, Fundile Gade thanked parents for their unwavering support during the process, but further urges them to say no to any pens down celebrations.
The MEC appeals to parents to be on high alert as these celebrations often lead to loss of live(s). Gade also warned learners against these celebrations citing dangerous and destructive behaviors associated with these.
“We discourage our learners, especially matriculants from engaging in these celebrations as all ungodly activities take place in such gatherings. These include, but not limited to use of drugs, unprotected sex and excessive drinking of alcohol. We therefore doscourage any form of pens down celebrations”, added Gade.
Furthermore, MEC Gade pleads with all alcohol vendors and liquor stores to work with authorities to ensure that underage drinking is not promoted.
“Historically, these celebrations most start at the beaches, with throngs of learners indulging themselves in all sorts of wrong activities. We urge municipalities with beaches to monitor them during this period, impose heavy fines to any pens down celebrations participants”, urged Gade.
Gade pleaded with the parents, families and communities to guard against these activities.
“Together lets join hands and promote responsible citizenship, we cannot allow one day of celebrations to rob us future leaders. Our children need to know that their future lies ahead of them, because these celebrations have terrible consequences. Therefore, there are more important issues in life than destroying one’s life in one day’s celebrations. We need to all say no to pens down!”, appealed Gade.
Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Education Communications Directorate. For any enquiries, please contact the DoE Spokesperson, Mr Mali Mtima at 083 795 2117, Acting Director:Communications and Events Management, Ms Nyameka Tokwe-Mgijima at 060 530 03