By ‘Maleruo Leponesa
In response to the growing dangers associated with end-of-year “Pens down” parties, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has launched a province-wide Anti-Pens Down Campaign aimed at curbing the culture of alcohol-fueled celebrations among learners completing their final exams.
The campaign, which comes amid rising concern from parents, schools, and law enforcement, was prompted by escalating cases of Pens Down parties across the province — a trend that gained national attention following the Enyobeni Tavern incident.
“The Anti-Pens Down Campaign has largely been triggered by the escalating cases of these parties. This new culture became even more glaring during the Enyobeni tragedy,” said Mgwebi Msiya, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB). “We continue to receive reports of such parties being planned in various parts of the province.”
According to Msiya, Pens Down parties have become a serious social phenomenon in the Eastern Cape. “The biggest risk of these Pens Down parties is that young people get injured and, in some cases, lose their lives because of excessive alcohol consumption,” he warned.
Msiya outlined three core objectives of the Anti-Pens Down Campaign:
- to educate learners to make informed and responsible decisions.
- to promote constructive celebrations that do not involve alcohol.
- to mobilise communities and parents to take a stand against this growing culture.
He said the ECLB will measure the campaign’s success by the level of awareness and community involvement achieved, as well as a visible decline in reports of Pens Down parties during the festive season.
Msiya confirmed that the campaign is being rolled out in partnership with the Department of Education, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and local municipalities, including Makhanda. “Yes, Makhanda is part of our targeted areas, and we hope to reach the municipality with our messages,” he said.
To strengthen enforcement, Msiya said the ECLB will continue working with liquor outlets to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors. Selling alcohol to underage persons is a criminal offence that can result in prosecution and the revocation of liquor licenses.
He added that the ECLB conducts unannounced compliance inspections and encourages the public to report any liquor outlets selling to minors. Use the toll-free line 080 000 0420 or WhatsApp 076 403 6223.
“Selling to minors is a serious offence,” Msiya said. he called on parents to closely monitor their children’s whereabouts and for communities to report suspicious gatherings.
“Liquor traders must refrain from hosting these parties in their establishments, taxi operators should stop transporting minors carrying alcohol, and everyone must remain vigilant, especially on social media, where many of these parties are organised,” he said.
“We wish our young people good luck for their examinations. We are not opposed to celebrating, but we urge learners to find safer, alcohol-free ways to mark the end of the exams,” Msiya said.
