Penuel gives Roosevelt High School a pep talk after Matric Dance chaos

Penuel Mlotsha delivered an uplifting message to learners of Roosevelt High School after news of unruly behaviour at their Matric Dance made headlines last week.

Following the incident, the principal of the Johannesburg school posted a lengthy open letter condemning learners and their parents who brought its reputation into disrepute.

PENUEL MLOTSHWA ADDRESSES ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS AFTER MATRIC DAY CHAOS

On his Facebook page, Penuel Mlotshwa shared that he had been invited to address learners at Roosevelt High School following last week’s Matric Dance incident.

In a clip from his speech, which took place on Wednesday morning, the podcaster shared that he was “heartbroken” by the principal Cristèl Venter’s open letter chastising unruly behaviour. He also admonished the “rotten apples” amongst the respectful and rule-abiding learners.

The 40-year-old encouraged learners to set high standards for themselves, shun peer pressure and uplift themselves by setting goals to better their personal circumstances.

To the class of 2026, he urged matric learners to take responsibility for their actions.

He said: “This is a nest; it’s a lot harder out there. There is no uniform; there is no one chasing after you. If you fail, if you are taking drugs, drinking, engaging in casual sex, if you’re not committed, it’s on you; no one cares.

“Why matric is important is because how you finish the race, from where you started, is going to have a huge ripple effect on the rest of your life”.

Penuel encouraged learners, particularly the matric class,  to find tools to motivate themselves.

CALL FOR STRICTER MATRIC DANCE REGULATION

Last week, Roosevelt High School principal Cristèl Venter penned a lengthy open letter detailing how learners at the Matric Dance, held at the Avianto Hotel,  had been caught indulging in underage drinking, drug use, and threatening staff with firearms.

The event quickly spiralled out of control and had to be shut down early.

In a video post, Penuel Mlotshwa urged schools around South Africa to impose stricter guidelines on matric farewell events.

He proposed that grade 12 learners enjoy a farewell event on school premises, during school hours, and wearing school uniforms, thereby curbing unnecessary expenditure and financial pressure on parents.

“No fancy cars or parades”, he added.

RESPONSIBILITY AND UNDERAGE DRINKING 

Like Penuel Mlotshwa, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security for the City of Cape Town, J Smith, also used his platform to motivate minors and matric learners following a crackdown on underage drinking at Clifton Beach and its surrounding areas last weekend.

Smith urged the youth to be responsible during the outdoor social activity.

He shared on Facebook: “A little bit of ‘innocent fun’ can sometimes have lasting consequences. Don’t lose sight of the mission. Many matriculants are gathering at our beaches to celebrate reaching this final milestone with their friends. Make those memories ones you can look back on with pride, not regret. 

“Alcohol is not permitted in our bathing areas. More importantly, alcohol impairs judgement, slows reaction times and can dramatically increase the risks associated with swimming, driving and other activities.

“Every year, too many lives are lost on our roads because of alcohol. So, if you encounter our enforcement officers on the beach and they confiscate alcohol, understand that it is about more than simply enforcing a by-law. It is about protecting you.

“You are the leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, parents and citizens who will shape our city and our country tomorrow. We want you to get there”.