Plett is all the Rage

More than 6000 matric pupils will make Plettenberg Bay their playground this weekend at the end of their school careers.

Plett Rage manager Ronen Klugman, at the helm of his 15th festival, said some changes had been made for this year's nine-day event.

"We are implementing a call centre to run a transport hub. We want no options for drunken driving," he said.

The system will consist of 60 branded taxis endorsed by traffic and law enforcement which will be payable with pre-purchased vouchers.

"About 6000 students will attend this weekend, " said Klugman. "The majority come for a week, while others come for the weekend. Altogether we are expecting nearly 9000 people."

Klugman said the festival had grown tremendously since the days when it was attended by privileged white youths.

"It's wonderful to see over the years a lot of students from other races attend Rage."

Plettenberg Bay Tourism operator Thandiswa Mabukane said accommodation had been fully booked for weeks.

"They are welcomed to the town. They don't get out of hand. They go to nightclubs at night, but they don't cause trouble," she said.

Plett Rage also has a social responsibility component, and the township of Qolweni will be the main beneficiary this year.

Boxing coaches will train young men and women from Qolweni this weekend, and a tournament will be held for 30 young boxers.

Local beaders have made bracelets for ragers and Rage 4 Good will implement recycling initiatives.