Mpumalanga Department of Education issues serious warning about pens-down parties
The department said parents can work together with them to help stop these parties.
No to pens-down parties, said the Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE). According to the department, past experiences showed that these parties sometimes lead to disastrous consequences due to a lack of adult or parental supervision.
The NSC examinations will proceed until December 7.
The DoE spokesperson, Jasper Zwane, said as the final examinations are about to come to an end, the department appeals to learners to refrain from hosting and attending the so-called pens-down parties.
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“Overindulgence in alcohol and drug intake are common features at these parties. The department urges learners not to allow peer pressure to get the better of them. It is wise to choose right and be safe. Some learners ended losing their lives, while others risked unplanned pregnancies and contracted sexually transmitted diseases as a result of these unruly parties.”
Zwane said they call upon parents and community members to join the clarion call to denounce these parties in the strongest terms possible.
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“The parents are further requested to monitor their children’s movements, conduct and strongly discourage them from engaging in such activities.
“Let’s join hands to protect our children and to safeguard their future.”
The marking of exams will start on December 9 at 19 centres throughout the province. The handing over of a bursary from the department and a brand-new car to the provincial top learner will be held on January 20 when the results are announced.
