Thabang put his pride aside, stood at a robot in Lenasia, and asked for help to attend his matric dance. South Africans have shown up for him in the most INCREDIBLE way!
Johannesburg, South Africa (21 September 2026) – This one will hit you right in the feels.
A few weeks ago, 18-year-old Thabang stood at a robot in Lenasia. He was wearing his school uniform, and in his hands was a handwritten sign that read: ‘matric dance donations…’
As would later be discovered, Thabang lives on his own. He does not have the funds for proper housing and food, let alone enough to attend his school’s matric dance.
Instead of missing out on one of the most memorable high school traditions, he decided to put his pride aside and ask for some help. Thabang showed up at a traffic light in Lenasia that day, dressed neat and tidy in his school uniform, holding his handwritten sign and hoping someone might help.
@vuyisa.sigonyelaA matric student has to beg like this to make it to a fair well dance in South Africa, just met this young man in Johannesburg
That would become his mission for the weeks that followed.
Sadly, he didn’t have much success. Those who could afford to donated, and others drove by. But when Vuyisa Sigonyela spotted Thabang at the robot and decided to film him, everything changed.
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‘A matric student has to beg like this to make it to a fair well dance in South Africa…’
That post blew up. More than 3 million people saw the video. It received hundreds of thousands of likes and, most importantly, became a space where the helpers gathered. People saw Thabang, understood his situation and decided to offer whatever help they could to make his matric dance happen.
One man sent Thabang his wedding suit. Others donated money for his shoes. People offered to drive him there and back. Another helper offered free photography to capture the memories. One person said they’d bake him a cake. Someone else offered to sponsor his date’s dress and makeup – and even cover the expenses for one night away.
Incredible kindness poured in for this young man.
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Then, Vuyisa paid Thabang a visit, ready to share all the wonderful news with him – that South Africa had rallied to help. It was during that visit that he discovered that, beyond not having money for his matric dance, Thabang was living alone and facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
“I got to spend a day with Thabang and learned so much about him, I was moved to find out that he lives alone in Johannesburg and didn’t want to quit school even with his difficult circumstances. He is such a special and sweet young man.” Vuyisa shared on TikTok.
Knowing that Thabang needed support far beyond attending his matric dance, Vuyisa started an online crowdfunding campaign to help him, as well as other South African school learners facing similar struggles.
“We have decided to create a Crowd fund campaign to assist him, not only for the Dance but everything else he is in need of. Including accommodation, food and clothing. Once we raise the fund…we will also help other students in need.”
The campaign was named ‘Because of Thabang.’
The outpouring of support for the crowdfund has been incredible. More than 63 donors have already contributed over R15,000 to support Thabang and other learners from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The funds raised will help them participate more fully in their education and experience their final years of school with dignity.
“A young person’s financial circumstances should never be the reason they feel left behind at school or have to give up on their future.” the campaign reads. “Thabang will remain at the heart of this campaign — not because the money is still being raised only for him, but because his courage started it.”
“He asked for help when he needed it…” it read, “Now, because people are showing up for Thabang, we want to show up for the next student.”
The wonderful news is that every cent needed to send Thabang to his school ball has been raised. Efforts are now focused on helping him with housing, food and other essentials.
Thabang will attend his matric dance on Wednesday (23 September), and further updates will be shared by Vuyisa on TikTok!
Not only has South Africa rallied around him, but because of Thabang, the next learner may not need to stand at a traffic light before someone notices they need help.
When Thabang needed help, he had the courage to ask. And that is what sparked all of this!
If you’d like to show your support for the online crowdfund that aims to help Thabang and other young South African learners facing similar struggles, follow this link.
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