Matriculants urged to refrain from unsafe pens-down celebrations

The Northern Cape Department of Education has urged matriculants taking the 2025 Senior Certificate Examinations to refrain from unsafe ‘pens-down’ celebrations.

Matriculants across the country will finish writing their last paper on Thursday.

Provincial education department spokesperson, Geoffrey Van Der Merwe, says the department discourages the hosting and attendance of pens down parties as they often end in loss of life.

“Every year lives are lost and futures destroyed because of one night meant to be a celebration. We cannot ignore the reality, many matriculants attending these parties are underage, vulnerable to peer pressure and exposed to environments where safety cannot be guaranteed. Instead of celebrating achievements, pens-down parties, too often end in regret, trauma, and tragedies to families and communities,” says Van Der Merwe.

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