MEDIA STATEMENT
19 October 2026
ECLB TAKES ANTI-PENS DOWN CAMPAIGN TO THREE HOTSPOTS, CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION TO PROTECT LEARNERS
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has taken its Anti-Pens Down Campaign to three identified hotspot areas across the Eastern Cape, calling on learners, parents, liquor traders, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and law enforcement agencies to work together to prevent underage drinking, alcohol-fuelled violence and dangerous end-of-examination celebrations.
The campaign reached learners and communities through engagements in Buffalo City Metro, Nyandeni Local Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay, strengthening the Board’s efforts to promote responsible behaviour and protect young people during the examination period.
The first engagement saw the ECLB join the EN Bono Memorial Congregation for an Exam Prayer and Anti-Pens Down Campaign in Gompo Township, KuGompo, on 10 October 2026. Approximately 500 learners from schools across East London were expected to attend the initiative, which combined spiritual encouragement with a message of responsibility, discipline and respect for life.
The involvement of faith-based organisations highlighted the important role that churches and other community institutions play in guiding young people, reinforcing positive values and encouraging choices that safeguard their futures.
The campaign continued in Nyandeni Local Municipality on 13 October 2026, with a launch at Bhekizulu Secondary School in Libode involving learners from 10 local schools. The engagement placed particular emphasis on the dangers of alcohol-related gatherings in communities affected by faction fights, where tensions can escalate into violence, putting learners and innocent residents at risk.
On 16 October 2026, the ECLB took the campaign to KwaZakhele in Nelson Mandela Bay, marking the third leg of the initiative. The engagement involved learners from six local schools and called for a united response from community stakeholders to discourage underage drinking and prevent alcohol-related harm.
The three engagements underscore the need to move beyond awareness campaigns towards sustained community action, particularly in areas where alcohol abuse, violence and unsafe celebrations threaten young people's lives.
ECLB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Makala, said:
“Completing these three legs of our Anti-Pens Down Campaign reinforces a message that must reach every learner, parent and community: no examination celebration should cost a young person their life, future or dignity. We want learners to enjoy the achievement of completing their examinations, but not at the expense of their safety or the lives of others.
“Protecting our young people cannot be the responsibility of the Liquor Board alone. Parents must know where their children are, liquor traders must comply with the law, traditional leaders and community structures must speak out against alcohol-related violence, and law enforcement must act against unlawful activities. We need to create an environment where young people can celebrate their achievements without being exposed to alcohol abuse, violence and preventable tragedy.”
The ECLB remains concerned that Pens Down celebrations involving alcohol can expose learners to excessive drinking, road accidents, violence and other life-altering consequences. In communities affected by faction fights, alcohol-related gatherings can further heighten tensions, with devastating consequences for families and innocent residents.
The Board is therefore calling on parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children's lives by monitoring their whereabouts, social activities and celebration arrangements. Learners are encouraged to resist peer pressure, avoid gatherings involving underage drinking and choose safe, responsible ways to mark the end of their examinations.
Liquor traders are reminded that selling or supplying alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited. Licensed premises must not be used to facilitate unlawful activities involving underage drinking. The ECLB will continue promoting compliance with liquor legislation and responsible trading practices.
Traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, schools, community leaders and the South African Police Service (SAPS) are also urged to strengthen collaboration, condemn alcohol-related violence and intervene where planned gatherings pose a risk to young people and communities.
As the examination season progresses, the ECLB calls on learners to remain focused on their ambitions and recognise that completing examinations is an important milestone, not a reason to put their lives at risk.
The message is clear: celebrate your achievements, protect your future and never allow one night of celebration to destroy a lifetime of possibilities.
Issued by:
Eastern Cape Liquor Board
For media enquiries:
Dr Mgwebi Msiya
Spokesperson
060 501 6418
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