One dress, one dream: A campaign giving matric girls a night to remember
A national dress drive led by Talitha Oosthuizen is giving matric girls the chance to celebrate their farewell in a dress they love.
On National Women's Day, a campaign known as Making Matric Ball Dreams Come True aimed to give matric girls a memorable night. The initiative, launched by Talitha Oosthuizen, aimed to alleviate the financial burden on families as matric farewell parties can cost up to R30,000. Oosthuizen, 1st Princess Mrs South Africa, started the campaign to provide a thousand dresses for the Class of 2026.
The final fitting occurred at a warehouse in Benoni on August 9, with the first fitting taking place on Youth Day in June. The dresses were distributed nationwide and to girls in other provinces, such as the Western Cape. Professional alterations were also provided for free. Oosthuizen emphasized the significance of the evening for the girls, reminding them of their worth and potential as they transition into womanhood.
Dr Musa Hlongwane, deputy chief education specialist, advised the girls not to focus solely on their appearance, urging them to recognize the kindness of those who contributed to the event. By August 9, over 500 dresses had been donated, with more on the way. Despite the campaign's official end on Women's Day, Oosthuizen is still accepting late requests until August 21.
Two girls whose matric balls are scheduled for October will also be personally attended to by Oosthuizen for their final preparations. She encouraged the girls to remember that they are worthy of success and to continue spreading kindness as they embark on their adult journeys.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
