With most Grade 12 learners finishing their final examinations this week, the City’s enforcement agencies are urging them to celebrate responsibly.

Previous years have shown that matriculants prefer to gather in public open spaces or in the CBD to celebrate the end of their final examinations.

The City’s enforcement agencies will therefore increase patrols around the beach areas and the Central Business District – Long Street in particular.

‘The end of your school career is cause for celebration, particularly the final exams. However, we have seen our fair share of celebrations go south very quickly in the past, and so I urge young people to party responsibly. The last thing anyone wants is for such a joyous occasion to be marred by incidents of violence, injury or death related to alcohol abuse, or ending up with a criminal record. Our staff will keep a close eye on proceedings and while no one wants to be a party pooper, they’ll de duty-bound to act against any transgressions witnessed,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Young people are reminded that the carting and consumption of alcohol in public spaces is prohibited in terms of the City’s by-laws.

Anyone found with alcohol will be fined R500 and have their alcohol confiscated.

The City further urges that designated drivers be assigned to eliminate the risk of drinking and driving.

In addition to patrols, staff will also conduct vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks.

The Disaster Management regulations will be enforced too. In recent weeks, the City’s Law Enforcement Department has seen an increase in the number of persons fined for not wearing masks or disregarding the midnight curfew.

‘We ask that matriculants who plan to celebrate should take all the necessary steps to ensure a safe environment. The past year has been a difficult one, compounded by the approaching Covid-19 fourth wave. Let us all play our part and avoid possible high risk areas. Matriculants should also be mindful of the possibility that opportunistic criminals will exploit these celebrations for their own selfish ends, and so they must be aware of their surroundings at all times, and not let their guard down,’ added Alderman Smith.

The City further calls on parents to ensure that they are aware of their children’s whereabouts, to ensure that their phones are loaded with airtime, and the number to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre, in the event of an emergency.

That number is 107 from a landline, or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.

When making an emergency call, it is important to give detailed information such as the number that the resident is phoning from, full name, location, time and exact address and a description of the incident.

Source: City Of Cape Town