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Matrics: Have fun, be safe!

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Tomorrow, Tuesday 28 November 2017, National Senior Certificate (NSC) Candidates will write their last examination, with 924 candidates writing Design and 126 candidates writing Agricultural Management Practices.

Today, the majority of NSC candidates (54,777) wrote their final NSC exam – English Home Language and English First Additional Language, Paper 3.

Following a long-standing tradition, many candidates will be heading to annual matric rage parties in towns across the country, particularly in Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay.

Western Cape Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer and Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant released a joint statement, urging our young adults to be safety conscious.

"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," reads the joint statement.  

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

They also reminded matrics that they should still be available to write exams up and until 6 December, in case it may be needed for whatever reason.

Also read: Should my matric take a gap year?

5 tips for safe travels:

Matrics should follow these guidelines to help ensure they and their passengers arrive safely:

  • Always make sure that there are responsible drivers that are 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 while driving, including using cellphones;
  • Avoid late night driving where possible, or driving when tired;
  • The driver and the passengers must always be buckled up.

The ministers say that Provincial and Municipal traffic services are on high alert over this period, and local traffic authorities have done considerable work to improve safety for the many holiday-makers. But they caution that the responsibility lies on individuals to act responsibly and not put their, and other people’s, lives at risk. They also warned that law enforcement will be swift and strict with a "no-nonsense approach".

"We appeal to all matric candidates not to spoil what should be a well-earned celebration," the statement concludes. "You have the rest of your lives ahead of you – a moment of irresponsibility can have a lifetime of consequences."

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