Minister Maynier urges the #ClassOf2023 to celebrate responsibly

With the end of the 2023 matric exams approaching, the #ClassOf2023 is looking forward to a well-deserved break and to celebrating their hard work over the past year.

While two major professionally organised events in Plettenberg Bay and KwaZulu-Natal begin this week, we remind parents that 44 784 Western Cape learners must still write Paper 3 for Afrikaans Home Language, First Additional Language, and Second Additional Language on Friday, 1 December 2023.

There are several exams with smaller candidate numbers that must also be completed before the exams end on Tuesday, 5 December 2023.

It is understandable that our matrics would like to let their hair down and celebrate the end of a difficult few years at school, but we urge them to do so responsibly and in moderation, especially in terms of alcohol consumption.

We urge all matrics attending these and other smaller events to:

• Familiarise themselves with the safety measures at the event itself, and the relevant local emergency phone numbers;
• Keep a close eye on their valuables at all times;
• Similarly, keep a close eye on their beverages at all times, and not leave them unattended;
• Report anything suspicious to the South African Police Service or the event organisers immediately;
• Avoid drinking and driving; and
• Set up a buddy system for their own safely, as well as keep in regular contact with their parents.

We encourage parents to ensure that matrics understand the risks involved in large events and smaller parties, and to ensure that they have made arrangements to stay in contact with their children and know what to do in an emergency.

We do not want to have our candidates’ end-of-year holidays spoiled by becoming targets of crime or being involved in a serious accident.