Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

26 November, 2015

Matric Rage celebrations not a time to act irresponsibly.

Joint Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education and
Minister Donald Grant, Minister of Transport and Public Works

Today, candidates in the 2015 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations will write the last of the major examinations, History Paper 2.

Exams are scheduled to end tomorrow, Friday 27^th November 2015, but many candidates will today be heading to annual 'matric rage parties' in towns across the province, particularly in Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay.

To those candidates who are finished writing, please be mindful that some candidates will write up until 27^th November 2015. 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 their desire to celebrate is understandable, we appeal to them to do so responsibly.

We encourage all candidates who will be participating in 'matric rage parties' to do so responsibly, and to use additional registered car services and public transport services that are available when travelling between venues. Candidates must also refrain from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Candidates must 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 tired

• ensure that they and their passengers are always buckled up

Provincial and Municipal traffic services are on high alert over this period, and ready for any eventuality. A no-nonsense approach will again be adopted to any transgressions during this time. Let us work together to ensure that this time of celebration isn't marred by reckless and irresponsible behaviour that endangers lives. We must work in partnership to avoid any unnecessary injury or death at all costs.

We are grateful that such celebrations in recent times have been conducted without any serious incident. We hope that this year will be no different.

Candidates are also reminded that they must be available to write up until the 9th of December to cater for any eventuality that may arise.

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 for the Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 076 175 0663
 
Siphesihle Dube
Spokesperson for the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant
Tel: 074 589 6533