Condolences pour in after three matric pupils die following ‘pens down’ party
MEC Frazer requested all stakeholders in the community of Nthendeka and the rest of Amajuba District to support these families during this difficult time.
Condolences have poured in from far and wide after three matriculants were killed and three others seriously injured after the vehicle they were travelling in landed under a truck.
This horrific collision occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning (December 3) at the Ingagane turn-off along the N11.
KZN Education MEC, Mbali Frazer, visited the bereaved families, accompanied by her head of department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, and other senior education department officials.
Her delegation’s first stop was Mnyanande Secondary School to meet with the educators.
Frazer expressed her understanding of the profound pain they were experiencing and acknowledged that the educators ‘had invested many years into shaping these learners for a brighter future.’
The three learners, who passed away, Thandokuhle Khumalo (19), Luyanda Vilakazi (18), and Anele Majola (18), were all described by their educators as dedicated individuals who had tremendous potential for success.
While visiting the families, Frazer said that no parent ever wishes to bury their child as every parent only envisions a bright future for their children.
“Tragedies like these are always difficult for us in the Department because we share a common goal with these parents and educators – the aspiration to witness all our learners prosper in life because we know that they are the future of this country. We want to again extend our condolences to their loved ones, educators, and fellow learners,” she said.
Calls made to ban ‘pens down parties:
MEC Frazer urged parents and families to pay attention to the warning from Education Minister, Angie Motshekga’s, for guardians to keep a tight eye on learners following the end of the matric exams.
She stated she was against “pen-down” parties because these can put students’ lives in danger.
The Inkatha Freedom Party has come out against these after-exam parties.
During a recent sitting of the KZN Legislature, IFP’s Thembeni KaMamadlopha-Mthethwa MPL moved to outlaw these matric “pens down” parties in the province.
KaMamaslopha-Mthethwa urged all students to prioritise safety because they have their entire life ahead of them. They have also urged parents to keep an eye on their children, as some attend these “pen-down” gatherings without their knowledge.
“Allowing such parties to take place is nothing more than a recipe for disaster, as they are often destructive, with unprotected sex and the use of illegal substances being a regular fixture of the parties. 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.”
Newcastle SAPS responds:
Lizzy Arumugam, of the Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications Department, said Newcastle Detectives are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
“It is alleged that the driver of a Chevrolet with six occupants skipped the stop street at the intersection of the Ingagane turn-off. The Chevrolet hit the tyre of a truck trailer and ended up under the truck.
“It’s believed three occupants were declared dead at the scene. The other three passengers were treated at the scene for serious injuries before being transferred to Madadeni Provincial Hospital for further intensive medical care.
DA extends its condolences to the bereaved families:
MPL and DA Amajuba District Constituency Head, Dr Imran Keeka, said the DA extends ‘heartfelt condolences and well-wishes to the families and loved ones of six matric learners.’
“We call upon them (their families) to lean on faith and prayer during this most difficult time. We are also call upon the Department of Health to swiftly complete due process so that the parents and families can be afforded closure during this period of mourning. An equal call also goes out to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and traffic officials regarding the investigations in establishing anything untoward.
“The DA has called for great caution to be exercised by parents, learners, and the greater community regarding ‘pens down parties’ and we wish to echo this call in light of this very significant tragedy.”
The Newcastle Advertiser wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
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