A Bonteheuwel woman hosted more than 300 women over the age of 40 for a “matric ball with a difference” in celebration of Women’s Month.
Colleen Booysen wanted women like herself, who never had the opportunity to complete their schooling and so never attended a matric ball, to experience the excitement of it all. The “difference”, however, was that the event also had an empowerment element to it.
On Tuesday August 9, the Nazarene Church in Bonteheuwel was packed with women who donned their best ball gowns and who were welcomed on a red carpet. Some even experienced being in a limousine for the first time.
“Many of us had to leave school to go work for our parents and never got to experience being at our matric balls. We had seven guest speakers, and all of them shared either a motivational message or an awareness message about gender-based violence. My message to all those present, is that it is never too late to complete your matric. I want our women to empower themselves,” Ms Booysen said.
Pulling off the event was not an easy task. Ms Booysen said she received a few donations from businesses, friends and the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies, but that most of the financial contribution came from her own pocket.
“I am very grateful to all who supported me on this project. I wanted to give back and it was a big success. We sent out 300 invitations, but some women arrived without being invited, so we ended up with more.”
Among the guests was Gadija Booraanodien, 72. She completed her junior certificate (Grade 10) in 1965. Although she wanted to, Ms Booraanodien and her brother could not complete their matric, because of “money constraints”.
“I so much wanted to complete my matric. My brother and I had to go work to help our family’s financial position. It was one of my dreams to be able to attend a matric ball, as I saw how the youngsters did it. All these years, I had a feeling that I missed out on something big.
“I was so excited for this – my grandchildren even more. They helped me put an outfit together, and we even went shoe shopping. I had to walk down the stairs for my family so that they could take photos the day before the event. I felt like I was at a fashion show.
“When I arrived at the venue, the hall was beautifully decorated. I couldn’t believe we were honoured in such a way. The ladies all looked so beautiful. I want to thank all who had a hand in this brilliant idea. We felt like queens and princesses,” Ms Booraanodien said.
Soraya Salie, chairperson of the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies, said members of her organisation who attended the event, were in awe.
“Many of us never had the opportunity to attend high school or complete matric because of the challenges and struggles of life, as well as the oppression of apartheid.
“The Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies would like to thank Colleen Booysen and her team for the beautiful event. You have awakened the spirit of the youth within us.
“Everyone went the extra mile to dress up and show up. Some even had snack tables at home before their send-off to the ‘matric ball’. It was awesome. Our children and grandchildren were excited for us. Everyone is still overwhelmed and we thank our creator for blessing us with favours way beyond our understanding,” Ms Salie said.