The rising cost of matric balls: a celebration or expensive headache

As the heat of matric ball season rises, South Africa’s high school leavers are preparing for one of the most celebrated milestones of their youth. But behind the sequins, sleek suits, and social media-worthy entrances lies a story of both economic opportunity and deepening inequality.

Experts warn that while matric balls remain an important rite of passage, their soaring costs are placing increasing pressure on families and reinforcing class divisions within schools.

Daryl Swanepoel, Chief Executive Officer of the Inclusive Society Institute, explained: “Matric balls remain a valuable rite of passage, but their growing price tags mirror South Africa’s broader inequality and in a country where the gap between rich and poor is among the highest in the world, even ‘average’ costs for outfits and extras are out of reach for many families.

“For wealthier learners, the event becomes “a showcase of glamour,” but for poorer learners, particularly township learners in middle-class schools, it is “a source of strain and exclusion. And so a celebration meant to unify can instead reflect the stark class divisions that shape young people’s everyday lives.”

Swanepoel argued that schools must find ways to make matric balls inclusive. “The solution lies not in abolishing matric balls, but in reimagining them, where schools can contain costs by choosing more modest venues, maybe even, as in the old days, school halls themselves, they can establish dress and suit libraries, promote thrift or rentals and discreetly channel alumni or business sponsorships to cover learners who cannot afford participation.

“With transparency, sensitivity and creativity, matric balls can retain their cultural significance, while avoiding the conspicuous consumption that turns celebration into exclusion.”

A matriculant whose matric ball is set for 4 October said: “I decided on my dress design last year already. After March, I went to a dressmaker and even my hair appointment was made last year already, I know because people warned me about not waiting until the last minute and I also did not want the stress of planning to clash with exams time.

“By Mid June/July the planning was complete. All that needs to be finalised is the catering, car hiring, and walking out vibe practice thing,” she laughed.

“Matric balls are something you as a matriculant look forward to, there are big days in high schools, like your valedictory, your matric ball…I am excited and amped, everyone is talking about it. I would be very sad if I couldn't make it, very upset, because everybody deserves a matric ball, it's your last dance with your high school friends before you enter into the big world.”

A Mitchells Plain mother shared the financial reality: “My daughter's matric ball cost around R4500, that is without any help. The stress is definitely a thing, you want something for your child because they work their butts off to get there. While the pressure is more about a societal thing, they see what the others have and ask for it.

“At the end of the day it’s about celebrating her, and not what I want or her dad wants, in actual fact, we're not doing a table because she had to choose between auditioning at UCT or the matric ball which is on the same day, she chose to audition, so after that we will just take pictures on the campus or nearby and hopefully she makes it in time fo the ball, to her it's just about feeling special on the day.”

Matriculant Skylar Kruger said she has been planning her matric ball ever since the year started.

“This marks a celebration of my dedication to the past 13 years of my life. I do believe we deserve this because it indicates the end of one chapter and entering into another.”

Nikita Josephs, 32, from Bishop Lavis, whose son is in matric, said: “I already told my child that a matric ball is dependent on what he puts into his school year.

“Matric balls are not a must, but it's something they deserve.”

She said while not all the parents can afford it, a little something for their deserving child can be put together. 

“As a parent you will make a way even if it is for a photoshoot and a table at home, and again that will also only happen if you can prove to me that you deserve it.” 

Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education SA (PEESA), offered a broader reflection: “If we look at matric balls in general, what parents must know is that children are not entitled to it. It's a courtesy that schools are giving to their grade 12 learners to say farewell and wish them luck on their next journey or their next chapter. 

“However experienced, I think there's a problem where we don't prioritise what is important.”

She said the mandate of the school is to educate a child and prepare them for life after school whether it's further studies or whether it's the workplace.

Le Roux referred to the case at Excelsior High School in Belhar where parents received a letter from the school informing them that the matric ball was cancelled due to poor behaviour from learners.

“I think that school is setting the right precedent. I don't blame the school because parents fail to be involved in school activities, in academics, and grade 12 is so important.

“A child has to earn a matric ball, they are not entitled to a matric ball.”

Le Roux however also pointed out the importance of matric balls as a economic driving factor for local small businesses, something business owners agree on.

From salons and dressmakers to car hire and catering, the season provides a welcome boost.

Kayleigh Dolan, founder of Under The Dryer with Kayleigh, spoke to the importance of booking early: “If you haven’t booked yet, you’re already late. People start locking in their spots 3 to 6 months in advance! 

“By the time matric ball season hits, my diary is packed. I’m talking back-to-back glam sessions, coffee on repeat, and me living on hairspray fumes. It’s crazy busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s definitely one of the busiest and most important times of the year for me. A lot of clients splurge on packages, so it’s a big boost for the business. But honestly? The best part is seeing everyone’s reactions when they look in the mirror. That ‘OMG is that really me?!’ moment makes every late night worth it.”

Tameron Meyer, owner of Lashes By Tammy, echoed Dolan’s view: “Clients usually start booking 1–2 months in advance, but the last few weeks before the ball are the busiest and fill up quickly… It’s definitely busy and a bit stressful, but it’s also exciting. The season is a big boost for my income because everyone wants to look their best.”

Dressmaker Faheema “Faye” Moala from  Lafaye’e evening and wedding dresses said, “Most of the matric dances are in October, November and December. Most of the clients come three months in advance, but I prefer six months, because you get so busy and the stress can become a lot. I even view the matric ball and wedding season on the same scale.” 

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

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