“He’s So Brave”: Learner Begs on the Streets for Matric Dance Assistance, SA Moved
- A matriculant was filmed standing at a busy Johannesburg intersection, carrying a sign to request donations for his final school dance
- The emotional clip was shared on the video streaming platform TikTok, attracting massive views and comments from a sympathetic online community
- Social media users were moved by the boy's determination, with many expressing intentions to help and debating whether matric dances should be cancelled
- Briefly News spoke with Qhamile Diniso, a Grade 12 learner from Table View High School, about the intense financial and social pressure of the matric dance
Source: TikTok
A local Grade 12 learner's public plea for donations to fulfil his dream of attending his matric dance captured the hearts of many social media users, who were touched by his bravery.
The clip, shared on TikTok by @ii_am_rox, was met with an outpouring of empathy and support from viewers who showed intentions of assisting.
The video shows the Grade 12 learner from Elethu Themba Combined School walking in his full uniform between cars at a busy corner in Johannesburg. He is carrying a cardboard sign that reads, 'Donations for matric dance, please help.'
A plea for matric dance donations
The sight of the learner, dressed in his school uniform, begging for funds for a social event is a powerful image that resonated with TikTok user @ii_am_rox. She shared the video, and in the caption explained that the boy's circumstances were dire and that his only wish was to make his matric dance dream come true.
Source: Getty Images
The pressure of the matric dance
We at Briefly News spoke with Qhamile, a matriculant from Cape Town, to gain insight into the emotions stirred by the viral video and the true cost of this rite of passage.
The team asked her how much pressure there is on the Grade 12 learners at her school to have an expensive, glamorous matric dance experience. She said:
"The pressure is a lot; it's not just about the ticket, it's the custom-made dress, the perfect suit, the professional makeup, and the expensive car you arrive in, all of which create a huge financial expectation for our parents."
Some people suggested cancelling the matric dance entirely. We asked the Grade 12 learner what her views are on that debate.
"I understand the argument, but the matric dance is a rite of passage after 12 years of hard work; it shouldn't be cancelled. We go through our high school years looking forward to that one special day. Maybe schools can look at options such as enforcing much stricter budget limits to make it more accessible to everyone."
When asked if she sees the learner's decision to beg publicly as an act of bravery or desperation, Qhamile said:
"I see it as an ultimate act of bravery because the fear of public judgment and humiliation is huge, but his desire to celebrate the milestone is stronger than his pride. I pray that he gets the help he needs"
SA shows the learner empathy
The post was flooded with comments from users who expressed intentions to assist. Many viewers noted how it is every child's dream to attend their matric dance after spending 12 years in school. Others were frustrated that the boy had not written his contact number on the sign, making it difficult for those wishing to help to contact him.
The post also started a debate about the fairness of matric dances. Some viewers suggested that these events should be cancelled entirely, arguing that they expose those from struggling homes.
User @ D E A N I E said:
"I actually helped him out today!🥰 He's so brave and confident that he'll be at his matric farewell 😭."
User @user5187334799665 commented:
"This matric dance thing must be cancelled because other kids can't afford it, or they must wear uniforms."
User @Queensley shared:
"Parents who don't want to help, stop saying it must be cancelled or that he must wear his uniform. If you feel that way, scroll the video ain't for you. The creator posted to actually get as many people as possible who can reach out and help."
User @kelebogile asked:
"Where do we donate, hle🥹?"
User @kiki added:
"I believe that every child must attend their matric dance. Remember, my child is your child as well. I saved for my daughter's matric dance for a year; unfortunately, COVID decided to ruin everything, but she understood. The following year, I took her to Durban for a week with that money."
User @simplynay.m said:
"Please share his details."
User @🏳️🌈Kearon_JHB🇿🇦 enquired:
"How do we get hold of him without driving there?"
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News articles about matric dances
- A matriculant left social media users stunned after sharing a detailed breakdown of her extravagant matric dance preparation, which amounted to R90,000.
- A video of students from St. Joseph Centenary School in Uganda, attending their matric dance in dramatic outfits, received mixed reviews on social media.
- A Grade 12 learner, whose sister is a make-up artist, left social media users in awe after her major matric dance transformation that left her looking like an A-list celebrity.
Source: Briefly News
