MEDIA STATEMENT

19 October 2026

ECLB TAKES ANTI-PENS DOWN CAMPAIGN TO THREE HOTSPOTS, CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION TO PROTECT LEARNERS

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has taken its Anti-Pens Down Campaign to three identified hotspot areas across the Eastern Cape, calling on learners, parents, liquor traders, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and law enforcement agencies to work together to prevent underage drinking, alcohol-fuelled violence and dangerous end-of-examination celebrations.

The campaign reached learners and communities through engagements in Buffalo City Metro, Nyandeni Local Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay, strengthening the Board’s efforts to promote responsible behaviour and protect young people during the examination period.

The first engagement saw the ECLB join the EN Bono Memorial Congregation for an Exam Prayer and Anti-Pens Down Campaign in Gompo Township, KuGompo, on 10 October 2026. Approximately 500 learners from schools across East London were expected to attend the initiative, which combined spiritual encouragement with a message of responsibility, discipline and respect for life.

The involvement of faith-based organisations highlighted the important role that churches and other community institutions play in guiding young people, reinforcing positive values and encouraging choices that safeguard their futures.

The campaign continued in Nyandeni Local Municipality on 13 October 2026, with a launch at Bhekizulu Secondary School in Libode involving learners from 10 local schools. The engagement placed particular emphasis on the dangers of alcohol-related gatherings in communities affected by faction fights, where tensions can escalate into violence, putting learners and innocent residents at risk.

On 16 October 2026, the ECLB took the campaign to KwaZakhele in Nelson Mandela Bay, marking the third leg of the initiative. The engagement involved learners from six local schools and called for a united response from community stakeholders to discourage underage drinking and prevent alcohol-related harm.

The three engagements underscore the need to move beyond awareness campaigns towards sustained community action, particularly in areas where alcohol abuse, violence and unsafe celebrations threaten young people's lives.

ECLB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Makala, said:

“Completing these three legs of our Anti-Pens Down Campaign reinforces a message that must reach every learner, parent and community: no examination celebration should cost a young person their life, future or dignity. We want learners to enjoy the achievement of completing their examinations, but not at the expense of their safety or the lives of others.

“Protecting our young people cannot be the responsibility of the Liquor Board alone. Parents must know where their children are, liquor traders must comply with the law, traditional leaders and community structures must speak out against alcohol-related violence, and law enforcement must act against unlawful activities. We need to create an environment where young people can celebrate their achievements without being exposed to alcohol abuse, violence and preventable tragedy.”

The ECLB remains concerned that Pens Down celebrations involving alcohol can expose learners to excessive drinking, road accidents, violence and other life-altering consequences. In communities affected by faction fights, alcohol-related gatherings can further heighten tensions, with devastating consequences for families and innocent residents.

The Board is therefore calling on parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children's lives by monitoring their whereabouts, social activities and celebration arrangements. Learners are encouraged to resist peer pressure, avoid gatherings involving underage drinking and choose safe, responsible ways to mark the end of their examinations.

Liquor traders are reminded that selling or supplying alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited. Licensed premises must not be used to facilitate unlawful activities involving underage drinking. The ECLB will continue promoting compliance with liquor legislation and responsible trading practices.

Traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, schools, community leaders and the South African Police Service (SAPS) are also urged to strengthen collaboration, condemn alcohol-related violence and intervene where planned gatherings pose a risk to young people and communities.

As the examination season progresses, the ECLB calls on learners to remain focused on their ambitions and recognise that completing examinations is an important milestone, not a reason to put their lives at risk.

The message is clear: celebrate your achievements, protect your future and never allow one night of celebration to destroy a lifetime of possibilities.

Issued by:
Eastern Cape Liquor Board

For media enquiries:
Dr Mgwebi Msiya
Spokesperson
060 501 6418
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEDIA INVITE

14 OCTOBER 2026

EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD TAKES ANTI-PENS DOWN CAMPAIGN TO NELSON MANDELA METRO AMID FEARS OF THE POSSIBLE EXPLOSION OF PENS DOWN PARTIES AT THE END OF EXAMINATIONS

As the end-of-the-year examinations are in full swing, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) is intensifying its anti-pens down campaign to raise awareness on the perils of the rapidly emerging culture of pens down parties in the province. On the 16^th of October, the ECLB will take its Anti-Pens Down Campaign to KwaZakhele in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan on Friday, 16 October 2026, marking the third leg of the campaign following launches in Buffalo City Metropolitan and Nyandeni Local Municipality.

The campaign targets identified hotspot areas where underage drinking and alcohol-related cases have been reported within schools, in particular. The ECLB seeks to discourage the risky end-of-examination celebrations and promote safer ways of celebrating the end of examinations.

The Executive Mayor, Honourable Lobishe, and other leaders from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan have been invited to the Campaign. The Campaign will further be utilised as a perfect platform to call on parents, liquor traders, community leaders and law enforcement to work together to protect young people, especially during this period.

The Campaign is intended to urge learners across the province to refrain from the repugnant culture of pens down parties that has recently permeated the province.

Media are invited to attend as follows:

Date:                Friday, 16 October 2026
Time:                 09h00
Venue:              Lilian Ngoyi Community Hall, KwaZakhele Township, Nelson Mandela Bay

Media enquiries:
Dr Mgwebi Msiya | ECLB Spokesperson
060 501 6418 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ENDS…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

9 OCTOBER 2026

ECLB AND FAITH-BASED LEADERS TO HOST ANTI-PENS DOWN PARTIES CAMPAIGN

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) will join the EN Bono Memorial Congregation on Saturday, 10 October 2026, for an Exam Prayer and Anti-Pens Down Campaign in Gompo Township, KuGompo.

Approximately 500 learners from schools across East London are expected to attend the initiative, which combines prayer and spiritual encouragement with a strong message against alcohol abuse and dangerous end-of-examination pens down parties.

Churches and other faith-based organisations remain important partners in reaching young people with messages of responsibility, discipline and respect for life. Their influence within families and communities helps strengthen prevention efforts and encourages learners to make choices that align with their values and aspirations.

The ECLB further calls on parents and guardians to remain involved in their children's lives during the examination period and beyond. Knowing where young people are, who they are spending time with and what arrangements have been made for their celebrations can help prevent avoidable harm. Schools, community leaders and law enforcement agencies are also encouraged to work together to ensure that learners can celebrate safely.

Liquor traders are reminded of their legal and social responsibilities. The sale or supply of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 is prohibited, and liquor trading premises must not be used to facilitate unlawful activities involving underage drinking. The Board will continue to promote compliance with liquor legislation and responsible trading practices as part of its broader commitment to safer communities.

Learners are encouraged to celebrate their hard work responsibly, remain focused on their ambitions and enter the next chapter of their lives with hope, confidence and determination.

EVENT DETAILS OF THE EVENT ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Date:            Saturday, 10 October 2026
Time:           10:00
Venue:         RZ Notshe, 29291, corner of Somthunzi and Griffiths Mxenge Road,   Gompo Township, KuGompo

ENDS….

Issued by:

Eastern Cape Liquor Board

For media enquiries:

Dr. Mgwebi Msiya, Spokesperson

0605016418 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Media Invite

09 October 2026

INVITATION TO THE ECLB ANTI-PENS DOWN CAMPAIGN IN NYANDENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) will launch its Anti-Pens Down Campaign in Nyandeni Local Municipality on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, calling on learners, parents, liquor traders and traditional leaders to confront underage drinking, alcohol-fuelled violence and faction matches that threaten the safety of communities.

The launch at Bhekizulu Secondary School in Libode will involve learners from 10 local schools. It forms part of the Board’s efforts to discourage dangerous end-of-examination celebrations and promote responsible behaviour among young people.

The ECLB is concerned that Pens Down celebrations can expose learners to excessive alcohol consumption, violence, road accidents and other life-altering consequences. In communities already affected by faction fights, alcohol-related gatherings can heighten tensions and place innocent young people and residents in danger.

The Board will use the Anti-Pens Down launch to call on traditional leaders to publicly condemn alcohol-related violence, and gatherings that put young people at risk. Working alongside community structures, law enforcement and local leadership, they can help reinforce respect for life, resolve tensions and discourage practices that threaten community safety.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board invites all media to the official launch of the Anti-Pens Down Campaign that is scheduled to take place as follows:

Date:               Tuesday, 13 October 2026

Time:               09h00

Venue:            Bhekizulu Secondary School, Libode

Issued by:

Eastern Cape Liquor Board

For media enquiries:

Dr. Mgwebi Msiya Spokeperson

0605016418 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ENDS

MEDIA RELEASE

16 SEPTEMBER 2026

ECLB CALLS ON LIQUOR TRADERS TO RENEW LICENCES AND TRADE LEGALLY

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) calls on all liquor traders across the province to renew their liquor licences for the 2026 licensing period and ensure that they remain compliant with the law.

The licence renewal period runs from 1 October to 31 December 2026, and traders are urged not to wait until the final days to submit their renewals. Timely renewal is important to ensure that traders continue operating lawfully and avoid losing their licences.

ECLB is reminding liquor traders that trading without a valid liquor licence is illegal. Traders whose licences have not been renewed their liquor licences cannot continue trading.

“Renewing a liquor licence should not be left until the last minute. We encourage traders to take responsibility for their businesses, renew on time and ensure that their licences remain valid,” said the ECLB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Makala.

The Board further encourages traders to keep their renewal documentation and proof of payment safely for their records. The annual licence fees are payable from 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026. Where annual licence fees are received from 1 January 2027 to 31 January 2027, the fees payable will be increased by 50%. Where annual licence fees are received from 1 February 2027 up to and including 30 June 2027, the fees payable will be increased by 100%. No fees shall be accepted after 30 June 2027, and the licence will be cancelled without any further notice.

Payment Details

Traders can make the required renewal payment using the following ECLB banking details:

Account Holder: EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD

Bank: ABSA Bank

Account Number: 4112667310

Branch Code: 632005

Listed Beneficiary: ECLIQUORBD

Payment Reference: Traders must use the full ECP reference number as reflected on their liquor licence certificate.

The ECLB urges traders to ensure that the correct payment reference is used to facilitate the processing of payments.

The ECLB emphasises that responsible liquor trading begins with compliance with licensing requirements. Keeping a liquor licence valid not only protects the trader's business but also contributes to a regulated liquor industry and safer communities.

Traders are therefore encouraged to renew early, avoid unnecessary delays, and trade responsibly.

For more information, please contact the spokesperson, Dr. Mgwebi Msiya, at 060 501 6418 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

………….End……………

MEDIA ALERT

02 September 2026

ECLB TO LAUNCH LEARNER AMBASSADOR CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING IN INGQUZA HILL

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) will on Friday, 04 September 2026, launch its Learner Ambassador Programme at Lusikisiki College of Education, bringing together learners from high schools across the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality in a concerted effort to tackle underage drinking and its impact on young people.

The programme is more than simply teaching learners about the dangers of alcohol. It is about giving young people a voice in protecting one another.

Ten (10) high schools from Ingquza Hill Local Municipality will participate in the Underage Drinking Awareness Ambassador Programme. Each school will select four learners two boys and two girls to serve as learner ambassadors and peer educators within their schools and communities.

These young ambassadors will be equipped with information, communication skills and practical tools to engage their fellow learners about the risks associated with underage drinking.

The ECLB believes that some of the most powerful conversations about alcohol can happen between young people themselves – in the classroom, on the sports field, in the community and among friends.

For a learner who is struggling to say no when friends offer alcohol, hearing that message from another young person who understands the pressure they face can make a difference.

The peer-to-peer approach will enable ambassadors to speak to their peers in a language and manner that is relatable, helping learners understand that the consequences of underage drinking are not distant or abstract. They can affect school performance, relationships, personal safety, health and, ultimately, the opportunities young people have to build a better future.

The initiative also comes at a time when schools and communities continue to face challenges associated with “pens down” parties and other end-of-term celebrations, where young people can be exposed to alcohol, peer pressure, unsafe environments and other risky behaviour.

Behind every statistic about underage drinking is a young person whose future can be affected.

It could be a learner who stops attending school, a teenager injured in an alcohol-related incident, or a family forced to deal with consequences that could have been prevented. The campaign therefore seeks to move the conversation beyond simply telling young people what not to do, and instead empower them to make informed decisions and look out for one another.

Executive Mayor of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Cllr Pepping, is expected to address the learners and encourage them to take responsibility for protecting themselves and their peers.

The campaign will reinforce the message:

“MY FUTURE MATTERS, ALCOHOL MUST WAIT!”

The ECLB is also calling on parents, traditional and community leaders, schools, government, the liquor industry and communities to play an active role in creating environments where children can grow, learn and celebrate safely without being exposed to alcohol-related harm.

The success of the programme will ultimately be measured not only by the number of ambassadors trained, but by the conversations they start and the choices they inspire among their peers.

The ECLB hopes that these learner ambassadors will become positive voices in their schools and communities – young people who can confidently say no to underage drinking and yes to their education, safety, health and future.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: Launch of the ECLB Learner Ambassador Programme
Date: Friday, 04 September 2026
Time: 09H00–13H00
Venue: Lusikisiki College of Education
Participating Schools: 10 high schools from Ingquza Hill Local Municipality

Issued by:
Eastern Cape Liquor Board

For media enquiries:

Dr Mgwebi Msiya
Spokesperson
Tel: 060 501 6418
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ENDS