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The Dance: the South Africans who finish high school against all odds The Dance: the South Africans who finish high school against all odds
(about 4 hours later)
Many South African youths fail to graduate from high school. For the few who do, the ‘Matric’ celebrations are prodigiousMany South African youths fail to graduate from high school. For the few who do, the ‘Matric’ celebrations are prodigious
In the Cape Flats, the townships and countryside in and around Cape Town, most students drop out of high school due to pregnancy, substance abuse or being recruited by gangs. Many have to leave school to support their families. School fees are a steep price to pay in an area where most families struggle to put food on the table. In the Cape Flats, the townships and countryside in and around Cape Town where deprivation is high, many students drop out of high school due to pregnancy, substance abuse, being recruited by gangs or to support their families. School fees are a steep price to pay in an area where most families struggle to put food on the table.
Matric dances are held to celebrate those who graduate (matriculate). For months beforehand, families who live in poverty-stricken areas save to buy extravagant ballgowns and tuxedos, and to hire limousines for the big night. If a family is lucky enough to have a student graduate from high school, no effort is spared to give them the night of their dreams. For many, this is the first family member to graduate.Matric dances are held to celebrate those who graduate (matriculate). For months beforehand, families who live in poverty-stricken areas save to buy extravagant ballgowns and tuxedos, and to hire limousines for the big night. If a family is lucky enough to have a student graduate from high school, no effort is spared to give them the night of their dreams. For many, this is the first family member to graduate.
On the night of the dance, the communities on the outskirts of Cape Town are buzzing with activity. Red carpets are rolled out while aunts decorate houses with organza fabric, and tables are heavily laden with food for family and friends. The streets outside are full and excited children run around. The sound of a sports car echoes down the street as it approaches the crowded house.On the night of the dance, the communities on the outskirts of Cape Town are buzzing with activity. Red carpets are rolled out while aunts decorate houses with organza fabric, and tables are heavily laden with food for family and friends. The streets outside are full and excited children run around. The sound of a sports car echoes down the street as it approaches the crowded house.
A young woman wearing a ballgown steps onto the red carpet, and the community cheers with pride.A young woman wearing a ballgown steps onto the red carpet, and the community cheers with pride.
Cleo Paulse, 18, on a red carpet at her family home in Hanover Park. She is the eldest of three siblings and the second person in her family, after her mother, to finish high schoolCleo Paulse, 18, on a red carpet at her family home in Hanover Park. She is the eldest of three siblings and the second person in her family, after her mother, to finish high school
Reyana Kube, 18, lives with about 700 others in an abandoned hospital in Woodstock. Last year, she gave birth to her baby girl before returning to school to finish her final year.Reyana Kube, 18, lives with about 700 others in an abandoned hospital in Woodstock. Last year, she gave birth to her baby girl before returning to school to finish her final year.
Asemahle Mbijana, 17, from Wesbank township, attended Sarepta secondary school. Her dream for the future is to study hard and to become one of the best chartered accountants in South AfricaAsemahle Mbijana, 17, from Wesbank township, attended Sarepta secondary school. Her dream for the future is to study hard and to become one of the best chartered accountants in South Africa
Shakeelah Davids, 19, who attended Wynberg high school, poses with her date Daniel Laun in Parkwood, where she grew up. She wears a dress made by a family friend.Shakeelah Davids, 19, who attended Wynberg high school, poses with her date Daniel Laun in Parkwood, where she grew up. She wears a dress made by a family friend.
Nazeelah Cambell, from Hanover Park, is a first-generation graduate on her mother’s side of the family. She attended Groenvlei high school in Lansdowne. Next year, she would like to do an internship with the City of Cape Town.Nazeelah Cambell, from Hanover Park, is a first-generation graduate on her mother’s side of the family. She attended Groenvlei high school in Lansdowne. Next year, she would like to do an internship with the City of Cape Town.
Jenna Mennas from Mitchells Plain, Woodlands, attended Wynberg high school. Next year, she wants to study business.Jenna Mennas from Mitchells Plain, Woodlands, attended Wynberg high school. Next year, she wants to study business.
Zarnize Jegers, 19, from Maitland and a pupil at Salt River high school, is the first in her family to graduate.Zarnize Jegers, 19, from Maitland and a pupil at Salt River high school, is the first in her family to graduate.
Stella Illunga, 19, attended Kensington high school. She was born in South Africa to Congolese and Portuguese parents, but does not have an ID book or citizenship and is therefore Congolese. Despite having lived in South Africa her whole life, she is still seen as an immigrant.Stella Illunga, 19, attended Kensington high school. She was born in South Africa to Congolese and Portuguese parents, but does not have an ID book or citizenship and is therefore Congolese. Despite having lived in South Africa her whole life, she is still seen as an immigrant.
Blessing Kalonji (right), 18, from Kensington, has a Congolese father and a Zambian mother. She is the eldest of three siblings and the second person in her family to graduate from high school. She and Stella Illunga (left) have been best friends since they were babies. She wants to pursue a career in modelling and acting.Blessing Kalonji (right), 18, from Kensington, has a Congolese father and a Zambian mother. She is the eldest of three siblings and the second person in her family to graduate from high school. She and Stella Illunga (left) have been best friends since they were babies. She wants to pursue a career in modelling and acting.
Jaydene Lakay, 18, from Cloetesville, is one of three siblings and the first in her family to graduate from high school.Jaydene Lakay, 18, from Cloetesville, is one of three siblings and the first in her family to graduate from high school.
Layla Baradien, 18, from Bridgetown, Athlone, is the eldest of three and the first in her family to graduate from high school. She is a top student at her school, and received a bursary to study at UWC (University of the Western Cape), where she will pursue her dream to become a geography teacher. She is pictured here with her date for the dance, Uzair AbrahamsLayla Baradien, 18, from Bridgetown, Athlone, is the eldest of three and the first in her family to graduate from high school. She is a top student at her school, and received a bursary to study at UWC (University of the Western Cape), where she will pursue her dream to become a geography teacher. She is pictured here with her date for the dance, Uzair Abrahams