19-Year-Old Entrepreneur Creates World-Class Met Gala for Matriculants: “An Environment To Connect”
- Santiago Andrew, a 19-year-old entrepreneur from Johannesburg, will soon provide matriculants with a Met Gala experience
- The young businessman and founder of The Matric Ball told Briefly News that he hopes for attendees to make meaningful connections while experiencing opulence
- He revealed the challenges he faced launching his business and how he was able to fund the luxurious event
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Source: UGC
On 4 December 2025, at @Sandton Hotel, many matriculants will attend a special matric dance, The Met Gala for Matrics, that will trade the traditional for the extraordinary.
Santiago Andrew, the 19-year-old founder of The Matric Ball, shared with Briefly News that he plans to roll out the red carpet for matriculants for only R1,600 per ticket. The event serves as the perfect opportunity for them to make meaningful connections as they wave their schooling careers goodbye.
Santiago noted that it wasn't a celebration about ending matric, but the beginning of the end.
He opened up in an exclusive interview about his business, which he established at the age of 16:
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"The Matric Ball is a combination of the very best matriculants in their respective fields. We want those who are trailblazing in that manner to be in an environment to connect and build lifelong connections. The youth aren't really given such opportunities, so it's important that we make our own."
Last year, the aspiring diplomat both attended and hosted his matric ball through his company, which was a massive success, welcoming both local and international attendees. After hearing about his friends' "lacklustre" matric dance, Santiago noted that he wanted to create a world-class event.
He told the publication that he hosted his own because the youth needed a platform where matriculants are celebrated.
Like last year, teens will arrive in luxury for the black tie event, with Santiago planning to enhance things for 2025. Attendees can expect the following:
- Red carpet arrivals
- Grand entrances
- A 3-course fine dining experience
- Dance floor
- Prom King and Queen titles
- An opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and be a part of The Matric Ball Alumni
Regarding how Santiago chooses the venues, themes, and elements that make the event feel special, he stated that he aims to replicate the world-class standards as seen from the Met Gala.
"It's a lot of trial and error when choosing the correct options when hosting such an event of this magnitude."
Source: UGC
The Man behind The Matric Ball
Santiago, born and raised in Johannesburg, told Briefly News that from a young age, he had always known he had some sort of entrepreneurial talent.
"Whether it was selling my dad's magazines at schools or some other item, it resulted in who I am today."
Like any other entrepreneur, the Unisa business student also experienced challenges running his company, confessing that he had no funding in the beginning and simply relied on ticket sales from last year's event.
"As a young entrepreneur, we're not given that many opportunities. Being 16 at that very moment, I never had the opportunity to get sponsors. They never believed in me or the idea as a whole. With this matric ball, I want to change that dynamic. I want everyone to see that the youth are capable of so much."
So far, Santiago has not received sponsorships, stating that the amount of rejection he received has become second nature. However, if it weren't for his support system, he would not have been able to host such an event.
The young businessman acknowledged his mother and father, Natasha and Alistair, who own an events company, for showing him the ropes regarding hosting events. He shared that his parents also wanted him to experience being an entrepreneur. Two more people he wished to acknowledge were his younger sister, Tiamara, and his supportive friend, Melody.
The future of The Matric Ball
While he wants The Matric Ball to expand, Santiago is considering smaller events across the country. As of now, the entrepreneur would like The Matric Ball to continue in his home city, as he sees the area as being "the richest square mile in Southern Africa".
When asked where he sees the business in five years, Santiago informed Briefly News:
"I see The Matric Ball as a competitor to luxury events like the Met Gala. I want it to be a world-class event where attendees from all over the world come, not just South Africans."
How to apply for The Met Gala for Matrics
Applications are open now on The Matric Ball's website. Learners can:
- Submit their details and chosen category.
- Upload a portfolio or supporting evidence of their excellence.
- Await review and approval.
Successful applicants will then be invited to secure their place at the once-in-a-lifetime gala by purchasing their ticket.
Take a look at what learners can expect at The Matric Ball in the Instagram video below, posted on the company's account:
3 Other stories about matric balls
- In another article, Briefly News reported that Kasi learners arrived in luxury vehicles for their matric ball. The memorable moment reflected the parents' hard work and pride in their children.
- A local matriculant started a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for his matric dance. The community banded together to support him, surpassing the fundraising goal.
- An Afrikaner teen ditched the grand cars and arrived at her matric dance in a multi-million-rand tractor. The online community applauded her for taking a unique approach.
Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
