Ministers Appeal to Grade 12 Learners to Celebrate Responsibly | Western Cape Government

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Ministers Appeal to Grade 12 Learners to Celebrate Responsibly

25 November 2014

Joint Statement by Western Cape Minister of Education Debbie Shafer and Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works Donald Grant

Today candidates in the 2014 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations write the last of the major examinations, English Paper 3. 

Exams are scheduled to end on Friday 28 November 2014, but many candidates will today, be heading to annual ‘matric rage parties’ in towns across the province, particularly in Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay. The ‘matric rage party’ period is expected to end on the 8 December 2014. 

To those candidates who are finished writing, please be mindful that some candidates will write up until 28 November 2014. We appeal to those candidates to stay focused in these remaining few days. 

Matric candidates have worked very hard to get to this point in their lives and while they deserve to celebrate, we appeal to them to do so responsibly.  

We encourage candidates to use additional registered car services and public transport services that are available when travelling between venues, and refrain from getting behind the wheel after consuming amounts of alcohol that exceed the legal requirement, or while under the influence of narcotics. Candidates should also exercise caution when on the roads, and ensure that they: 

  • always obey the speed limit and other rules of the road

  • avoid distractions whilst driving

  • avoid late night driving where possible, or driving when you are tired

  • ensure that they and their passengers are always buckled up

Provincial and municipal traffic authorities will be adopting a no-nonsense approach to any transgressions during what is supposed to be a celebratory time, to ensure that festivities aren’t overshadowed by unnecessary injury and death. There will be round-the-clock enforcement between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, with focussed enforcement operations conducted with our partners (SAPS, Bitou Fire Department and traffic law enforcement, EMS, and local security companies) at specific areas where incidents traditionally occur. 

Candidates are also reminded that they must be available to write up until the 4 December for any eventuality that might occur until the end of the examination process. 

We appeal to all matric candidates to not spoil what should be a well-earned celebration. You have the rest of your lives ahead of you – a moment of irresponsibility can have a lifetime of consequences.

Media Enquiries: 

Jessica Shelver
Spokesperson to Minister Debbie Schafer
Cell: 076 175 0663