Before completing their final exams, South African high school students take part in lavish matriculation balls, known as matric balls, which have earned a reputation as the “Met Gala” of high school events. Students go all out with themed gowns, classic car arrivals, and elaborate red-carpet moments, making the night a major rite of passage.
For five years, photographer Alice Mann documented these celebrations, resulting in her new book The Night is Young. Her portraits capture students in shimmering suits and sparkling gowns, posing in front of fairy lights and dramatic backdrops, as well as the energy-filled dance floors that define the night.
“These are massive events. You look forward to it from grade eight,” Mann said, noting the excitement and anticipation surrounding the celebrations. While comparable to American proms, matric balls have grown in scale due to social media and personal photographers documenting every detail.
The events also highlight socioeconomic differences. Some students can afford designer gowns, while others borrow, hand-sew, or save for months to participate. For many, attending a matric ball is a symbol of achievement, especially for those who are the first in their families to graduate.
Mann’s work emphasizes performance and identity, showing students trying on adult personas through fashion and presentation. Both young men and women embraced bold, expressive styles, from gilded canes and jewelry to colorful, coordinated hairstyles.
“These events were inspiring,” Mann said. “I’d leave feeling reassured, seeing how mature, aware, and empathetic young people are. They’re so clued in to the world.”
Through her lens, Mann shows matric balls as more than just a celebration—they are a vibrant, meaningful milestone in South African youth culture, blending fashion, performance, and personal achievement.#newsafro_
