03/12/2008 09:40 - (SA)
Stellenbosch - While it is expected that about 10 000 matrics will celebrate the end of their school life in Plettenberg Bay, other holiday spots are closing their doors to the youngsters.
Due to serious vandalism and drunkenness over the past few years, the Uilenkraalsmond Holiday Resort near Gansbaai now bans any matrics during this time, said resort manager Dup du Plessis.
Three small groups of matrics did however manage to camp here, due to an employee who was unaware of the two-year-old rule.
'Ran around naked'
"Only one sign" had been broken off at a basin and "during the night they made a noise and ran around naked".
The Paradise Park Holiday Resort in Vermont also decided two years ago that they'd had enough.
"For two years they broke the place down. They come from good families, but they break everything. And the noise!" said owner Raymond Schonegevel.
Sometimes matrics manage to slip in unnoticed. "But we throw them out if they don't behave themselves."
The Struisbaai campsite has been trying for seven years to keep out matrics, said caretaker André Strydom.
'They usually drink too much'
"It's because liquor is involved. You can't judge them all, but it usually results in damage for the site."
One campsite that still welcomed matrics, was the Onrus campsite. But bookings were slower than last year, said Rhyn Potgieter, resort manager.
Last year, about 500 matrics came here and this year, reservations were about 70% of that number. About 40 matrics had arrived last weekend and there were no problems "that couldn't be handled".
"Look, they usually drink too much. Then we don't let them leave the campsite. We are also strict about noise."
'Plett Rage'
In Plettenberg Bay, where the "Plett Rage" is held from November 28 to December 13, no complaints had been received about matrics.
Lara Hall of Lucky Student Packages, and who manages part of "Plett Rage", said businesses, community organisations and church leaders along with tourism offices were trying to take this initiative to bigger and more responsible heights.
Apart from parties with world-class DJs, a transport service was available so no one had to drive under the influence. A package had been put together with pre-paid transport, entrance tickets to parities, accommodation and cleaning services.
More information was available at the Bitou Tourism Office.
- Die Burger
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