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PHAKAMA EASTERN CAPE WARNS AGAINST UNSAFE “PENS DOWN” PARTIES AS YEAR-END CELEBRATIONS BEGIN

 

Press Statement by Phamaka Eastern Cape
 


 

Phakama Eastern Cape is calling for heightened awareness and responsible decision-making from parents, guardians, and learners as “Pens Down” celebrations mark the end of final examinations.

While these events are often seen by leaners, as a reward for hard work and the closing of the school year, many have increasingly become breeding grounds for danger; defined by underage drinking, drug exposure, sexual exploitation, and in worst cases, the loss of young lives.

 

The Eastern Cape has already experienced the worst possible consequence of such celebrations, exemplified by the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy in Scenery Park where 21 learners lost their lives during an alleged “Pens Down” event. When we normalise underage drinking and unsupervised gatherings, we invite dangers no family is prepared for. Celebration should never end in coffins, trauma, or headlines announcing the deaths of children who had only just begun to live.
 

Phakama Eastern Cape urges parents to take active responsibility during this period to know where their children are, to ensure safe environments, and to intervene when celebrations cross into risk. There are countless ways to celebrate achievement without putting children in harm’s way, and as a society we must normalise safety over recklessness.

 

We further appeal to learners themselves to value their own future. Passing exams is a milestone, not the end of life, but the beginning of possibility.

 

Phakama Eastern Cape remains committed to building a future where young people celebrate achievement with pride, growth and hope rather than regret. Enyobeni must remain a lesson, not a recurring headline. Let us mark the end of the academic year with life, not loss.