Media Release
For immediate release
16 November 2023
EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD DECRIES PENS DOWN PARTIES POSTERS/TICKETS THAT ARE CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AS EXAMINATIONS ARE ABOUT TO CONCLUDE
As the end-of-the-year examinations are soon coming to an end, Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has learnt with shock and grave concern about posters that are circulating on social media platforms that market Pens Down parties to be hosted at the conclusion of the end-of-the-year examinations.
As many grades will soon be finishing their examinations, there is a growing fear across the Eastern Cape that some learners may be organising Pens Down parties (Ukuhlamba Iphepha).
This fear is exacerbated by posters that are already circulating on various social media platforms that market Pens Down parties that are planned to be hosted to celebrate end of the examinations.
ECLB strongly condemns this detestable behaviour with the contempt it deserves and is working relentlessly to prevent these parties. Communities are urged to be extremely vigilant during this time to do everything possible to thwart these parties from being hosted.
“We wish to send a stern warning to our learners never to organise the Pens Down parties so as to avoid eventualities similar to the Enyobeni Tavern incident”, said the CEO Dr Makala.
Dr Makala added, “Our strong warning also goes to all liquor traders to refrain from hosting these Pens Down parties in their liquor outlets, and where a liquor trader is found to have permitted young people to arrange the parties in their outlets an immediate action will be taken against such a liquor trader. Our liquor inspectors working with SAPS will be closely monitoring liquor outlets that might be used for the Pens Down parties”.
Parents, civil society, community leaders and members of the community are urged to be on the lookout for the movements and whereabouts of children during this time and where these parties are suspected they must be reported to the nearest police station or the Eastern Cape Liquor Board by calling Toll-Free Line 080 000 0420 or sending a WhatsApp message to 076 403 6223.
Said Dr Makala, “In some instances, taxis transport young people to public places such as beaches and parks, and in this regard, we wish to urge our taxi owners and drivers to play a parental role in ensuring that they do not allow young people to carry and indulge in alcohol while in transit in their taxis.
Following myriad of regrettable incidents that have occurred due to the Pens Down parties, ECLB is taking every necessary precaution to ensure that these parties are prevented from being organised. Young people are encouraged to look for other means of celebrating the end of examinations without indulging in alcohol.
For any enquiries, please contact Mgwebi Msiya at 060 501 6418 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ends…
ISSUED BY THE EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD
