Stay safe: Essential warnings for young people ahead of Matric Rage and ‘pens down’ parties
As celebrations for Matric Rage and other end-of-year matric parties approach, safety tips for young people have been shared.
Image: Pexels/Mark Angelo Sampan.
As matriculants across South Africa prepare to celebrate the end of their school careers, safety remains a major concern. While celebrations mark a milestone, past tragedies linked to substance abuse, reckless behaviour, and accidents have prompted calls for greater supervision and planning.
Specific guidance has been issued for Matric Rage 2025, a series of high-profile celebrations taking place along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline and on the Western Cape coast in Plettenberg Bay.
Recommendations for attendees include sharing travel plans with trusted contacts, using real-time tracking apps such as Fidelity SecureDrive, carrying panic devices, staying alert in crowded venues, and taking care with drinks and personal belongings.
Travelling in groups or using official transport options is encouraged, while social media posts revealing locations should be limited.
“We know this is an exciting moment for matrics; they’ve earned it,” said Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group.
“But our experience shows that planning ahead, staying aware, and using available safety technology can make the difference between a memorable celebration and a dangerous situation.”
Beyond Matric Rage events, broader concerns persist around unsupervised end-of-year “pens-down” parties.
Vee Gani, chairperson of the KZN Parents Association, said these gatherings often carry significant risks.
“A number of these parties are unsupervised and that is where the problem really stems from,” Gani said.
“Some schools host controlled parties with educators present, but private parties without parental knowledge can involve alcohol, drugs, and reckless behaviour.
Past incidents like at Dinwiddie High School in 2023, where five pupils died, and the 2022 Enyobeni Tavern disaster show what can go wrong.”
Gani emphasised the need for oversight and awareness.
“Children are going to find a way to celebrate whether you want them to or not. The key is supervision, planning, and creating an environment where young people can enjoy themselves safely.”
He added that structured celebrations in schools, where educators are present, reduce risks and provide some level of protection for students.
Safety data underscores these warnings. Road accidents remain the leading cause of death among South African youth, with young people accounting for approximately 40% of fatalities.
Drink-spiking and alcohol-related incidents continue to pose serious, though often under-reported, threats at social gatherings.
Experts say that careful planning, open communication between parents and children, and the use of technology and organised transport can all help to prevent avoidable tragedies.