Matric rage set to hit KZN shores

AUTHORITIES and residents are preparing for the annual matric rage, which sees thousands of school leavers flocking to the KwaZulu-Natal beaches.

During the nine day festival an estimated 7 500 young people will be celebrating the end of their school careers in uMhlanga. After weeks of studying and exams some teens are known to indulge in wild parties infamous for underage drinking, unsafe sex, drunk driving and drug abuse.

Several organisations have attempted to create a safe atmosphere for the party-goers by organising parties free of alcohol and drugs, known as the rage festival (which officially launches on Friday, 28 November and lasts until Sunday, 6 December).

According to the uMhlanga Urban Improvement Precinct, more than R7 million rand was allocated to the organisation of the project, and it is estimated that the economy will receive a R80 million rand bump during the festival.

Metro Police Spokesman, Senior Supt Eugene Msomi, confirmed that Metro Police will be casting a vigilant eye on the party-goers during their festivities. “Our department is ready for any incidences. All our plans have been put in place and we have taken into account that the number of people attending the event seems to be growing every year,” he said.

Msomi also warned that patrols will be increased during the time as well as road blocks to monitor drunk driving and rowdy behavior.

Peter Rose, the chairman of uMhlanga Tourism, urged all of the matrics to follow the rules and regulations imposed by the event organisers as well as the city’s bylaws. “All role-players are committed to ensuring the safety of the teens and we urge them to work alongside organisers and authorities. We wish all matrics a happy and memorable trip,” he said.

Rose provided the following additional safety tips:

– Do not get into strange vehicles

– Be wary of drug dealers and experimenting with drugs

– If you are legally able drink alcohol and are planning on drinking, do so responsibly

– Do not go swimming at night, even if you are not intoxicated and an experienced swimmer. It is highly dangerous, as the currents will pull you out to sea and you will quickly lose sight of the shore.

– Women are urged to follow a buddy system, in which there or more girls constantly look out for each other. Never go to a party or restroom alone

– Do not accept drinks (alcohol or not) from strangers, and keep an eye on your drinks as it is being poured

– Do not leave you drinks unattended

– If you are planning on participating in any sexual activity, use protection