Matric ball season, a magical time that brings out the best - and worst - in people.
A time when the fairy godmothers and good Samaritans among us pop up and perform miracles for our youngsters.
Like the sweet story of Kyle Grant, 18, from Mitchells Plain, who wrote a letter to his favourite celebs, asking for assistance with his “dream matric ball”, which he could not afford.
And just like in the
fairytales, singer Jarrad Ricketts, Chad Chitter aka DJ Skouers and drag queen Manila von Teez appeared in a puff of smoke, waved their wands and provided make-up, manicure, catering and a chauffeur ride to his ball in a larney BMW.
Dream come true.
MAKE AN ENTRANCE: Kyle arrived in a BMW
Then there was the heartwarming story of cancer sufferer Aqeel Hope, who, despite his debilitating treatment, persevered and completed Grade 11.
His struggling parents put out an appeal for assistance with his ball and - shazam! - radio DJ Stan Mars, car club The Hoppers responded.
Next thing you know, the thrilled Rylands High pupil was driven to his ball at the CTICC in Stan’s 2019 BMW M4 with a convoy of 20 bakkies from the Slantic Toyota Club in tow.
How kwaai is that?
Look, proms and balls are important milestones for our youngsters, and their academic achievements must be celebrated.
Our kids are worth all the thousands of rands spent on these special occasions.
If only some parents would attach as much importance to paying school fees.
This was the big talking point this week.
BIG NIGHT: Cancer sufferer Aqeel Hope.
There was an uproar at Lotus River Primary School after class parties and proms were cancelled because only 109 pupils paid school fees this year.
The school has 663 pupils and fees are R800 per year for Grade 1 to 7, and Grade R is R1250.
An upset mom complained that she spent over a R1000 on the child’s dress, jewellery and the vehicle.
The same mom applied for an exemption from paying fees in February and it had been granted.
Yes, exactly! Now do you see the problem?
One principal was so disgusted by this non-payment culture that he boycotted their matric ball.
The headmaster of Good Hope Seminary High School said out of the 53 matrics attending the dance, only nine families paid the annual fees of R8000 in full.
“While your daughter had her ticket paid for, a dress purchased, nails and hair possibly done, we cannot do the necessary maintenance work at the school,” he wrote in a
letter to parents.
The palie’s firm stance received a lot of support, including that of the Education Department, whose position is clear: Dances are a privilege and not a right.
Yes, schools are within their rights to refuse balls.
But what they can’t do is withhold reports - for unpaid fees, missing textbooks or any other reason. No sir, that’s illegal.
As for the parents, this culture of non-payment must come to an end.
DREAM COME TRUE: Kyle Grant got help from stars
Because long after your child has matriculated and packed away their stunning ball gown and suit, then the real fees kick in - at universities and colleges.
Not hundreds but thousands of rands.
And there’s no excuse for missing payments.
A word to the wise: get into the habit of paying fees and saving up for tuition now.