Thulisile Mapongwana
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board says it wants to mitigate the scourge of underage drinking and the culture of "pens down" parties after school exams.
The Board launched a campaign on Wednesday against these celebrations in the aftermath of the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy in June in which 21 young people died.
Tavern owner, Vuyokazi Ndevu and her husband, Siyakwamkela, have been charged with Contravening the Liquor Act by selling or supplying alcohol to children under the age of 18.
Two of his employees, Xoliswa Duma and Sivuyile Ngamlana were also arrested in June and fined R2000 each.
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board launched the 'Anti-Pens Down' campaign at the Moses Twebe Great Hall in Dimbaza.
"As preparations for the end of the year examinations are in full swing, and the ECLB is extremely worried about the rapidly developing culture of ‘Pens Down’ events that are organised to celebrate the end of examinations," said spokesperson, Mgwebi Msiya.
He said the campaign would be one of many initiatives to strengthen the fight against underage drinking in the province and ensure the future of young people is safeguarded.
"ECLB seeks to mitigate the scourge of underage drinking and the ‘Pens Down’ culture that is a celebration of the end of examinations and is regrettably characterized by excessive consumption of alcohol that often results in very horrific incidents, such as the Enyobeni Tavern incident," he added.
Msiya said the launch will be used as a springboard for a concerted campaign that will convey the message on the dangers of underage drinking and discourage the culture of ‘’Pens Down'”
He said their theme is; My Future Matters, Alcohol Must Wait”
