The long-awaited Matric Ball dream is now more than ever becoming nearly impossible for many of South Africa’s youth.
With costs soaring up to R30,000 per child, that includes the dress, the tickets, make-up, styling, accessories, the pre-party and of course the fancy car – parents are feeling financial strain, and this once-in-a-lifetime milestone is becoming increasingly out of reach for many young girls.
Talitha Oosthuizen, 1st Princess Mrs South Africa, is calling on South Africans to donate evening wear dresses to help make 1,000 matric girls’ dreams come true.
“This is about dignity, confidence, and giving every girl the opportunity to feel seen, celebrated, and beautiful,” says Oosthuizen. “A dress can change how a girl feels about herself – and that confidence lasts far beyond one night.”
ARE YOU A MATRIC GIRL IN NEED OF A DRESS?
If you are in matric in Gauteng and need a dress for your matric ball:
· WhatsApp your name and school name to Talitha, 1st Princess Mrs South Africato 082 377 0085.
· Early submissions are encouraged due to high demand
1,000 girls will be invited to attend two special events where they will choose their dresses and enjoy a memorable fitting experience.
WHAT 2026 MATRIC GIRLS CAN EXPECT:
This initiative goes beyond simply receiving a dress – it’s about creating a meaningful and uplifting experience:
· A special dress selection and fitting event on:
o 16 June – National Youth Day
o 9 August – National Women’s Day
· A chance to feel confident, celebrated, and included
· For 2 to 3 selected girls, Talitha will personally attend their matric ball day, sponsoring their make-up and assisting with styling.
This powerful initiative aims to collect 1,000 dresses in two batches of 500, ahead of the two key event days.
HOW YOU CAN DONATE A DRESS:
The public is encouraged to donate new or pre-loved evening wear dresses and give them a second life:
Drop off your dress at 39B 4th Street, Brentwood Park, Benoni (Bush Whisper Expeditions Office)
· Normal courier to the above address may be used.
· PostNet to PostNet courier can be delivered to PostNet Linksfield Neighbourhood Square with Talitha’s phone number 082 377 0085 for notification.
- Dress donation deadlines:
- 500 dresses by 15 June 2026 (for Youth Day event)
- 500 dresses by 8 August 2026 (for Women’s Day event)
“Every dress donated helps a young girl attend her matric ball with confidence and pride. This initiative is a chance for the community to come together and make a real difference in the lives of young women at a critical milestone,” concludes Oosthuizen.
SUPPLIED.
