When one woman discovered that her former high school had stopped hosting its Matric Dance, she set the wheels in motion to orchestrate a spectacular event and the most memorable night for 68 enthusiastic youngsters.
Mpumalanga, South Africa (14 October 2025) – When Gogo Makhanyentabeni Macingwane learned that Barberton High School (Hoërskool Barberton), her former school, no longer hosts the Matric Dance for the pupils, she took it upon herself to organise a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the youngsters.
Setting the wheels in motion, Macingwane got in touch with the school and requested permission from the children’s parents, to which 68 of them gave her the thumbs up to go ahead and organise the event.
“I approached the Tfokomala Hotel at the University of Mpumalanga, requesting a quotation to hold the matric dance there at their beautiful restaurant. Sis Dineo Sefela assisted and the planning began in March,” she shares in a social media post.
Keeping in mind that the high schoolers would require transport to get to the venue, Macingwane got in touch with a transportation company, which also came to the party.
After seven months of planning and dedicated effort, she pulled it off!
“The children who go to BHS got to have a beautiful MD. I must say to the parents well done. The kings and Queens looked amazing,” she said.
Her now-trending post features a glimpse into the magical night and some of the Class of 2025 looking all glam and suited up. From sparkles and feathers to bold embellishments and timeless classic styles – the learners certainly showed up to dazzle and impress!
Looking back at how everything came together and the joy of seeing the youngsters in their best outfits, Macingwane humbly credited the success to teamwork, offering heartfelt thanks to her mom, partner, photographer, sponsors, and the businesses and organisations whose meaningful contributions made the elegant evening possible.
“Thank you so so much for helping me when I needed you. With all that said and done. I thank God for the strength, the ability to carry this project till the end,” a content Macingwane shared.
Scores of South Africans have responded with heartfelt comments applauding Macingwane for doing something so special for the youngsters.
Bongiwe Masilela wrote:
“Sis Angie, you are an amazing human being, an MD is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s sad that most children do not experience it anymore. This is beautiful, and I’m sure you will be blessed beyond measure for what you did for the kids. They all looked beautiful. It really does take a village to raise our kids.”
Mellinah Myeni was impressed by the standard of the event and commented:
“Glitz and Glam of Barbeton High? The standards were set very high, I must say. They all looked classy, elegant and exceptionally, thanks to the organiser and the parents at large.”
Macingwane really did something incredible here. Her tireless dedication, driven by the simple desire to see 68 young people feel important and beautiful, proved that a single act of selfless kindness could orchestrate a spectacular event that will forever shine in their hearts.
Sources: Gogo Makhanyentabeni Macingwane
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