Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

1 December, 2016

Minister Schäfer appeals to NSC candidates to celebrate responsibly.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

On Tuesday (29^th November 2016) National Senior Certificate (NSC) Candidates wrote their last examination.

This weekend, many candidates will be heading to annual 'matric rage parties' in towns across the province, particularly in Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay.

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 all candidates who will be participating in 'matric rage parties' to exercise moderation, and to use additional registered car services and public transport services that are available when travelling between venues if they drink alcohol.

Candidates must also exercise caution when on the roads, and ensure that they:

• Always make sure that there is a responsible driver that is not under the influence of alcohol or substances that affect their ability to drive

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

• avoid distractions whilst driving, including cellphones

• 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 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 9^th of December 2016 for any eventuality that might occur until the end of the examination process.

We appeal to all matric candidates not to 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