R28k Matric Dance Bill Leaves South Africans Stunned on TikTok

• A breakdown of one learner’s matric dance spending totalling over R28,000 left TikTok users stunned
• While some defended the costs as part of a once-in-a-lifetime moment, others felt it showed unnecessary financial pressure
• The video sparked conversations about how matric dances are viewed in South African culture today

South Africans were shocked by the R28,000 cost of a matric dance, reigniting debate on whether the tradition has gone too far.

Matric dances have always been a big deal in South Africa, but one learner’s budget breakdown has taken things to another level. In a post shared by TikTok user @sami_ntshona on 19 July 2025, viewers were shown just how much money went into a single night of glamour. From the glamorous dress to the car, photographer, accommodation and extras, the bill totalled a staggering R28,140.

The costs, from hair installation at R850 and make-up at R1 250, to lashes at R200, nails at R360, and toes at R160, the beauty preparations alone raised eyebrows. The outfit costs were even higher, with the dress at R9 950, shoes at R450, crown at R400, jewellery at R400, handbag at R350, and customised pyjamas at R700.

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Extras included a customised newspaper for R300, a cake for R800, flowers for R1 100, entertainment at R2 000, and accommodation at R3 240. Transport was also a big expense, with a rented car at R2 500, while photography cost R2 400. Finally, the matric dance ticket itself came in at R850. Altogether, the celebration added up to a staggering R28 140, sparking widespread debate online about the soaring costs of school dances.

The costs had TikTok users gasping. While some argued that this was simply how much events cost nowadays, many said it was excessive, especially for a single evening. Others couldn’t help but compare the price tag to what the same amount could achieve, like paying for a year’s tuition, buying a decent second-hand car, or even starting a small business.

A culture of spending or celebration?

The video reignited debate around whether matric dances have shifted away from being fun celebrations into high-pressure social showcases. Some commenters shared that families save for years to give their kids a dream night, while others admitted they couldn’t imagine spending that much on one event. Some even joked that the dance looked more expensive than some weddings.

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Regardless of opinion, one thing is clear: the breakdown struck a nerve. The conversation shows just how much importance is placed on matric dances in South African youth culture, with parents and learners alike treating the event as a milestone worth going all out for.

Mzansi reacted to the costs

Nomonde Ntshona said:

"I'm in tears as I type here, thank u for the acknowledgement and the gratitude. It's only God who gave me strength. Love u so much"

𝓮𝓼𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓲𝓹𝓱𝓸, the creator of the post, replied:

"I love you mama! Thank you for everything! 🥺"

Lerato said:

"Would've cancelled MD and said give me the money."

𝓮𝓼𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓲𝓹𝓱𝓸, the creator of the post, replied:

"It’s a moment you’ll never experience again in your life, so that’s not an option. 😭"

Green said:

"My dress was R400, shoes were R200, hair was R160, nails and make-up were free, and I paid R400 for the MD +Food and Transport. So the total was about R1160. I had a blast too."

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B4rkxo_ said:

"Planned pregnancies. 😭"

Ndubane ka Nkwela said:

"Umawakho uyakuthanda oe ungamuphoxi. ❤️"

Naledi Nombuso said:

"Muntuza ikhekhe liyaphi cc? 🙏"

Check out the TikTok post below:

3 Briefly News stories related to matric dances

• A South African woman uploaded a video showing how she made her daughter's matric dance dress.
• An Instagram reel showcased a jaw-dropping matric dance with high schoolers in incredibly stylish and luxurious outfits.
• A matriculant ditched the idea of arriving in grand cars at her matric ball and opted for a multi-million-rand tractor.

Source: Briefly News