Abstract
Since the 1980’s it has been a growing tradition for many South African school leavers to attend some form of post-school vacation in order to celebrate the conclusion of their high school career. Finding parallels with the likes of Spring Break in the USA and Schoolies Week taking place on the Gold Coast of Australia, thousands of school leavers from various parts of the country flock to certain coastal hotspots in order to partake in the mass celebrations. Although similar in nature, both Spring Break and Schoolies Week and aspects thereof have been subject of much research whilst the South African youth travel phenomenon has not come under academic scrutiny.
The study thus aimed to provide insight towards the South African post school vacation youth festival by tracing the origins, establishment and geography of the event. The research further sought to assess the development of the various organisational dynamics that have been implemented and also aimed to trace the institutionalisation of the youth festival that has occurred as a result of higher levels of organisation. Through the conduct of two case studies the research sought to gain an understanding of current local perceptions of the event as well as to gauge the social and economic impacts associated with hosting the youth festival.
The study determined that Matric Rage festivities were a highly impactful event for the localities in which they occurred. For towns where the main period of business is extremely seasonal due to holiday maker seasonality, Matric Rage provides a substantial period of extended business during times that might have been otherwise quiet. For many local business owners, Matric Rage was subsequently noted as highly beneficial. This said, for local residents and other holiday makers the period of Matric Rage was historically viewed as a period of social disruption and unnecessary congestion. These perceptions did appear to have been mitigated through the implementation a numerous containment and control mechanisms.
M.A. (Geography)