The City of Cape Town (COCT) said it will increase law enforcement patrols at beach areas as well as the Central Business District (CBD) such as Long Street as it braces itself for hundreds of matriculants heading to these areas to celebrate after their final examinations.
According to the COCT, 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. Congress of SA Students provincial secretary Mphumzi Giwu indicated that amid the fourth wave of COVID-19, learners should be vigilant when they decide to go out and celebrate, IOL reports.
The COCT’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith expressed that the end of a school career is cause for celebration, particularly the final exams, however, celebrations can go south very quickly.
“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,” Smith explained.
Celebrations were also cut short for hundreds of matriculants after both Ballito and Plett rage events were cancelled due to COVID-19 cases. According to organisers, even though they have implemented the most stringent COVID-19 preventive measures, there was no way to preempt the devastation that the current surge of COVID-19 cases nationally would cause.
Also read: Plett Rage 2021 has officially been cancelled
Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Department of Health confirmed on Thursday, December 2 that the province is now officially in a resurgence after there has been a steep increase in cases. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said that the important thing to keep in mind at this time is that Capetonians must be vigilant.
“Doing so will protect yourself and those around you from severe illness and death – particularly those at higher risk of severe illness and death. Vaccinations are quick and easy and will likely take no longer than 30 minutes at any given vaccination site,” Winde reiterated.
Also read:
Organisers call off Ballito Rage following several COVID-19 cases
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