Free hookah pipes, a new swimming pool next to a beach bar and stunning backdrops created by the builders of movie sets for selfies and photos: these are some of the perks matrics will enjoy at this year's Rage festivals around the country.
Thousands of matrics from Gauteng will flock to the coast on Friday for the seven-day festival, but those who cannot afford to go will be able to mark the end of at least 12 years of schooling at a three-day event in Johannesburg's CBD, dubbed "Rage in the City".
At least 8,000 grade 12 pupils are expected to party at several popular hangouts in Braamfontein and Newtown, including Kitcheners, Great Dane, The Republic of 94, Immigrant Bar, Constitution Hill and Carfax.
Unlike their peers, who have to fork out between R10,000 and R15,000 for transport, accommodation, food and tickets for the Umhlanga and Ballito Rage festival in Durban, they will pay R650 for a three-day VVIP pass or R350 for a VIP pass.
Zama Mthethwa, project manager for "Rage in the City", said organisers decided to hold the "scaled-down" version of the Rage festival because many parents could not afford to send their children to the coast.
"But they still want to have that celebration and be a part of something. It's open to everyone but when you look at the line-up and location, it's going to attract quite a huge black market," she said.
Artists for Saturday night's event at Carfax in Newtown include rappers Nasty C, Riky Rick and Sho Madjozi.
Mthethwa said that, as is the case at the Durban, Plettenberg Bay and Jeffreys Bay festivals, drunk pupils will be assisted by the Red Frogs - volunteers who help those who have had too much to drink.
Security guards will be posted at every street corner around the venues in Braamfontein and Newtown.
"Safety is a huge concern and it's something we really tried to prioritise. We will be giving attendees preferred walking routes and there will be security guards guiding them where to walk."
Mthethwa said that the organisers want matrics to have a good time without having to worry about being mugged.
Meanwhile, about 3,500 matrics have already bought "passports" for the Plett Rage and 8,000 for Umhlanga.
Safety is a huge concern and it's something we really tried to prioritise
— Zama Mthethwa, project manager for "Rage in the City
Ronen Klugman, festival director of Plett Rage, which is in its 20th year, said about 20 movie-set builders from Cape Town have arrived in Plettenberg Bay to start building three stages.
"We are incredibly excited about the construction of a swimming pool adjoining the beach bar that is being built at a cost of more than R100,000. It will be pulled down after the event."
He said that because of the depressed economy the numbers attending this year are expected to be similar to last year's.
Local residents using their own vehicles, which will be branded, will assist with taking home those students who do not want to pay for a taxi, he said.
"Plett Rage is a commercial business, but a lot of people have taken ownership of it," said Klugman. "Volunteers from all walks of life, who live in Plett, stay up until 4am. They will drive on the streets until all the kids are home safely."
Marina Oreb, Rage festival brand manager, confirmed that 65% attending the Umhlanga and Ballito Rage festival are from Gauteng, and 30% are from KwaZulu-Natal.
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