Influencer Naquueda Dayel is turning fashion into an act of kindness after announcing that she is donating two of the glamorous outfits she wore to this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July to matric students in need.
Instead of letting the designer looks gather dust in her wardrobe, Dayel has decided to give them a second life by helping two young women celebrate one of the biggest milestones of their school careers. She is donating her green dress and white dress worn on the weekend of the horse racing ceebration.
Matric farewell season is one of the most anticipated moments for Grade 12 learners, but for many South African families it also brings significant financial pressure. Between paying for dresses or suits, shoes, hair, makeup, transport, tickets and photographs, the costs can quickly run into thousands of rand.
With many households already battling the rising cost of living, unemployment and everyday expenses, some learners are forced to skip their matric dance altogether or attend without the outfits they had dreamed of wearing.
Dayel’s donation aims to ease that burden for at least two deserving students.
The influencer, who attended the prestigious horse racing and fashion event in two striking ensembles, said she hopes the dresses will help make another young woman’s matric farewell unforgettable. She is offering anyone in need to reach out to her on social media, and they can alter the dresses to suit their sizes.
Her gesture has been praised on social media, with many people saying it is a meaningful example of how fashion can be shared instead of forgotten after a single event.
The donation also highlights a growing trend of South Africans using their platforms to support learners during matric season, whether through dress drives, suit donations, sponsorships or fundraising campaigns.
For many matriculants, the farewell is more than just a dance. It marks the end of 12 years of schooling and serves as a celebration of perseverance, friendship and the beginning of a new chapter. For families who have sacrificed to get their children through school, it is often an emotional milestone.
