“These Kids Are Lying”: Costs of Matric Dance Outfits Leave SA in Disbelief

• A local content creator went to a school's matric dance and asked the learners how much their outfits cost
• The outfits ranged from four to five figures, with one girl revealing that the fabric of her dress was imported from the United Arab Emirates
• The amount the pupils (or rather their parents) spent left many South African online community members in utter disbelief
• Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha how important it is for young people to manage their finances and savings before attending costly events like matric balls

Matric dances allow high schoolers to show off and stand out, with parents forking out thousands to make their child's day special. A few local learners received such treatment and revealed how much they spent on their outfits, but the price tags left some South Africans raising their eyebrows.

On 24 July 2025, content creator Oswald De Great shared a video on his TikTok account asking matriculants from an unknown school how much their outfits cost.

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While one girl shared that her dress cost R2 200 and was made by her mother's friend, a young man stated that his suit was R7 000 and his shoes were R4 000, totalling a whopping R11 000 for the entire ensemble.

One learner even said that the fabric for her garment came from Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha why it’s important for young people to plan their finances and save before splurging on events like matric balls. She explained:

"It would be unwise to spend your entire life savings on a one-day event like a matric ball, only to struggle with paying your university registration fees a few months later."

Price tag leaves Mzansi in disbelief

Social media users who saw the clip on their For You Pages thought there were a couple of exaggerations when some learners shared the cost of their outfits for the special occasion. Fortunately, some pupils were also praised for their humble nature.

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@yaziedkrynauw told the online community:

"These kids are lying about the high prices."

@blondiejay9 shared with a laugh:

"I bet almost all the suits were hired for R450."

@uncle_viggie stated in the comment section:

"Marietjie will never lie about the costs, but Nicky! Nicky will tell you that the Shein dress is seven drillion."

@aliagani8 revealed to internet users:

"I love how down-to-earth these girls are!"

@user9802903528017 noted with a laugh:

"We listen, and we don't judge. We were all young."

@ajb_taurus jokingly added in the comment section:

"The one not knowing what 7+4 is should've spent the money on extra classes."

@atkaylakay said to people under the post:

"Go and find out how much suits are going for. My brother's matric ball is in October, and custom suits start from R6 000."

@kmg_uuuu asked the public:

"My matric dance budget is R20 000. Is that bad?"

Take a look at the TikTok video below:

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Matric dances are a big deal in South Africa. They mark the final year of high school and are a major milestone for Grade 12 learners. The event is usually held at a fancy venue, like a hotel or a fancy hall, where matriculants dress up in elegant outfits to celebrate together. Girls often wear stunning gowns, ranging from classic ball dresses to modern styles, while boys typically don sharp suits or tuxedos. Many take the chance to express their personal style with accessories, makeup, and hairstyles that make the night extra special.

The evening usually starts with formal photos and a red carpet moment, giving learners a chance to shine and capture memories. Then comes dinner, speeches, and lots of dancing, sometimes with a live DJ or band. It is a night filled with laughter, music, and joy, celebrating not just academic achievement but friendship and growing up.

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Families and friends often play a big role, helping with preparations and sometimes hosting after-parties. Despite the high costs of dresses, suits, and venues, many communities try to make the night accessible through fundraising or shared outfits.

3 Other stories about matric dance outfits

• In another article, Briefly News reported on the jaw-dropping moment when KwaZulu-Natal high school learners turned heads with their stylish outfits for their matric dance.
• A girl showed the Shein dress she ordered compared to what came in the mail. Social media users loved how beautiful and affordable the garment was.
• Last year, a girl stood out for all the right reasons when she showcased her anime-inspired outfit for her matric ball. A woman shared that the girl's mother made the unique dress.

Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News, contributed to this article.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News