The long-awaited Matric Ball dream is becoming nearly impossible for many of South Africa’s young girls.
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 matric girls’ dreams come true.
As a big support to the initiative, South Africans can now drop off dress donations at any Hirsch’s store nationwide, making it easier than ever for communities across the country to help deserving matric girls attend their biggest schooling celebration in style.
The campaign is already changing lives. On National Youth Day, 16 June, Talitha hosted the first group of matric girls from across Gauteng, who were invited to choose and fit their dream dresses for their upcoming matric balls. The event was filled with excitement, confidence, and unforgettable moments as girls found dresses that made them feel beautiful, celebrated and ready for one of the most important milestones of their school careers.
With hundreds more girls still needing assistance, Talitha is appealing both for dress donations and for matric learners in need of a matric ball dress to contact her.
“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 a matric girl in need of a dress for your matric ball, Talitha wants to hear from you.
WhatsApp your name and school name to Talitha, 1st Princess Mrs South Africa on 082 377 0085.
Girls must send their WhatsApp to Talitha before 7 August 2026.
The goal is simple: to ensure that no deserving matric girl misses out on her matric ball because she cannot afford a dress.
WHAT 2026 MATRIC GIRLS CAN EXPECT:
This initiative goes beyond simply receiving a dress – it’s about creating a meaningful and uplifting experience which includes a special dress selection and fitting event that will take place on Women’s Day, 9 August 2026.
HOW YOU CAN DONATE A DRESS:
South Africans are encouraged to donate new or pre-loved evening wear dresses and give them a second life by dropping them off at any Hirsch’s store nationwide.
Every dress donated could help a matric girl find the dress of her dreams and experience the confidence and joy that comes with attending her matric ball.
Additional donation options include:
· 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 by 3 August 2026.
Hirsch’s stores nationwide are helping make the collection process simple and accessible, enabling South Africans from every province to participate in helping make matric ball dreams come true.
“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.
