Plett steels itself for end-of-year blowout

27 November 2015 - 02:39 By Aron Hyman

Matrics flocking to Plettenberg Bay this weekend for the Plett Rage might be a headache for locals and unsuspecting holidaymakers. But local authorities and businesses welcome the matric pupils - about 10000 of them - expected to bring about R40-million to the town's economy over the next fortnight.The organisers of this year's Plett Rage, which starts today, are preparing for a 12% increase in revellers by working with local law enforcement agencies and Plett Tourism."We have sold out all 4000 of our Freedom Passes [at R1300 each]," said organiser Anthony Jacobs.The general manager of rentals agency Accommodation Bureau, Irene van Wyk, said Plett Rage inquiries increased each year but few homeowners were willing to rent to matriculants."Only about 10% to 15% of people listed in our portfolio allow students. Some have had bad experiences."Some letting agents are afraid of what they've heard or seen."Mom says 'My son is head boy' - there are a lot of head boys suddenly."But, she said, the matriculants were a major contributor to the coastal town's economy."They eat at our restaurants, shop in our stores and live in our guest houses. They are great contributors to our town and they keep coming back."Nicole Kriel, a Grade 12 pupil of Hoërskool Garsfontein, in Pretoria, said it was difficult to justify to her parents the amount of money she needs for the Plett Rage."You don't tell your parents the exact amount of alcohol you are going to drink, so it's difficult to say what the money is for."She said she had been counting down the days to Plett Rage and couldn't wait for the freedom of going home when she wanted to and not when her mother sent her an SMS.Four security companies have been hired and access to events will be tightly controlled.Jacobs said the event was catering for "the big Afrikaans market".Top local acts booked to perform at the weekend include Goldfish, Desmond and the Tutus, PH Phat, Jack Parow and Die Heuwels Fantasties.Plett Tourism Board chairman Peter Wallington said there were "very few, if any" instances of drinking and driving during Plett Rage and that it was a "well managed event that is co-ordinated with the traffic police and local law enforcement"...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.