His cheeks must’ve ached by the end of the night, because he just couldn’t wipe the smile off his face! This is what happens when YOU chip in to make dreams happen…
Mitchells Plain, Cape Town (07 October 2025) – Earlier this year, we shared the story of an 18-year-old young man from Mitchells Plain who was up every day before sunrise, a tray of R2 sweets in hand, raising money for his matric dance.
What struck everyone most was that Rudolph wasn’t only saving for his suit and ticket. He was also helping his pensioner mom, Rosaline, and his family at home. His ‘sweetie’ hustle was never just about one night; it was about making things a little easier for his mom.
That story went viral and spread like wildfire.
People across South Africa saw the teen who chose hard work over handouts, and they showed up for him. Within hours, donations on BackaBuddy went through the roof. The original goal of R10,000 was smashed in 30 minutes, and eventually climbed past R80,000.
South Africans showed that when someone puts in the hard work, they are more than willing to help.
On Friday last week, all of that came full circle.
Rudolph got his big send-off to the much-anticipated matric dance, and it was better than anything he could have imagined.
Supporters who had been following the young man’s story showed up at their Beacon Valley home in Mitchells Plain to see him off. Neighbours and on-lookers spilled into the street. Caterers were roped in to feed everyone. Even the SAPS shared in the special day when the Station Commander of Mitchell’s Plain SAPS, Brigadier Brian Muller, rocked up to see Rudolph before his matric ball.
News24, who attended the community send-off and covered the excitement in the community, chipped in to make the day extra special in the most memorable way a young man could dream of!
Their motoring department arrived with a R2.4 million Porsche Panamera 4 to chauffeur Rudolph to his dance. A red carpet was rolled out and Mitchells Plain cheered for their own as a young man, clad in a spiffy beige suit, got the matric dance send-off of his dreams.
@marsha.bothmaI’m so proud of you Rudolph!
Before leaving, Rudolph hugged his mom tight.
“You make me proud, son. You are now entering the big world. You put God first and watch how blessings will rain down on you and your life.” she told him, as per News24.
And after the dance at Skilpadvlei Wine Farm, he chose to skip the after-party.
“It’s just safer like that. And I’m looking forward to eating more of the spectacular food that was there,” he said.
The BackaBuddy campaign launched to assist Rudolph and his family also shared an update thanking donors who had chipped in to raise over 80k for the family.
“Thanks so much for the overwhelming support. All funds above the initial goal will go towards Rudolph and his family to assist them in ensuring a better future for Rudolph and his siblings!”
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