NEWS RELEASE                                                                                     15 November 2001

Minister of Constitutional Affairs and Information Technology, Minister Audrey van Zyl, who is responsible for the Office on the Status of Women, has asked matric students across the Western Cape to act with a sense of moderation and maturity as they plan this year’s post matric celebrations.

It has become traditional in recent years for hordes of matriculants to descend on the coastal town of Hermanus en masse and party till they drop – or get arrested, whichever happens sooner.

The toll in terms of damage to public and private property and the public purse and possible criminal offences has decreased considerably since 1999. Last year, statistics from the local police indicated that 56 offences were committed ranging from drunken driving to dealing in drugs and spot fines for traffic offences. The improvement was a direct result of a media campaign launched by the South African Police Services well in advance.

The statistics do not reflect the enormous dimension of these celebrations. Citizens of this normally placid tourist town now wait in trepidation for this year’s onslaught of less than acceptable behaviour that all too often includes violence, substance abuse, vandalism, drunken driving and public indecency.

"This is clearly inexcusable behavior," said Minister van Zyl. "The people of Hermanus and the surrounding areas cannot be held to ransom.

I ask that each and every student intending to join in the festivities in Hermanus, go there with the intention of doing just that. Be festive by all means, but do so in moderation and with some regard for your own dignity and health as well as that of your fellow students and the people of that town."

"I have no doubt that the authorities will deal effectively with any young man or woman who gets out of line," said Minister van Zyl. "I support them wholeheartedly in this approach. The youth should remember a criminal record is for life."

The Minister also urged parents to use whatever influence they could to help students choose the acceptable and joyous approach to any planned post matriculation festivities.

It is expected that this ‘Matric’-weekend is expected to be celebrated on both weekends of 16-18 and 23-25 November 2001.

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