From emotional dress fittings and high-fashion transformations to thoughtful pre-party details, mother-daughter duo Thuli and Sisonke Mgwebile step into the spotlight. In this exclusive conversation, they open up about navigating milestone moments, learning to let go, and stepping into confidence for the big day.
GLAMOUR: Take us back to the beginning, when did you first realise that your daughter’s matric dance was becoming a real milestone, and what did that moment feel like for you as a mother?
Thuli Mgwebile: I realised this when she started applying for varsity, I remembered how quickly time passed when I during my time, I applied and suddenly left home to study. Since this realisation I’ve been giving her life lesson after life lesson, every occasion with her I’m treating extra special, this MD was a big deal to her and I wanted us to experience it in a way that would delight her.
GLAMOUR: You were very hands-on in planning the celebrations. What did the planning process look like for you, and how did you bring your vision for the day to life?
Thuli: I made sure to involve the close family and friends who had a similar taste to hers, my mom who always generously sponsors and really left the details to Sisonke to organise directly with them, I just kept pushing her for the timelines and to make a decision on which options she chose.
GLAMOUR: How did you mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for such a significant moment in your daughter’s life?
Thuli: I didn’t think I needed preparations, the wave of emotions that hit me were so overwhelming, I kept thinking of when she was born, how perfect she was since day one, God took time, crafting my daughter inside and out, she has always been beautiful.
GLAMOUR: Did you find yourself feeling more emotional than you expected?
Thuli: I did, she is a young lady now, very decisive and an introvert in environments she’s comfortable in. She’s very talkative when uncomfortable, very weird in her beautiful and charming way. To discover her in this opulent matric dance setting; a moment that belongs to her, was so emotional to me.
GLAMOUR: What did her matric dance represent for you as a mother, and did the milestone make you reflect on how quickly she has grown up?
Thuli: It represented her growth, carving out her path, starting her journey as a young woman, in style, elegance and enhancing her beauty.
GLAMOUR: There’s often an element of “letting go” as our children reach these milestones. Did the matric dance make you think differently about your daughter growing up and becoming more independent?
Thuli: Yes, this was evident from preparations, I made sure she is the one that exchanged numbers with the service providers and spoke to them directly, I was pleasantly surprised how she was cautious about the budget, and knew what she wanted and very decisive in the journey.
GLAMOUR: Tell us about the pre-party. What inspired you to create one, and what did you want that celebration to mean for your daughter, friends and family?
Thuli: My mom Didi left us no choice, she planned her flight and my grandma’s from Cape Town to Johannesburg early in the year, our outfits for the morning, printed T shirts already meant this had to be a festive occasion, Sisonke sent out invitations to her friends and I sent a text to close family and friends and we got a pleasant surprise where my paternal grandmother came through from Cala. I wanted the celebration to capture memories for her and for her to realise she is loved and can achieve her goals and put together a beautiful event that translates her vision.
GLAMOUR: From the planning and décor to the finer details, what were some of the elements you were most intentional about getting right?
Thuli: I was very intentional in involving her and getting her opinion on every aspect, we have very different tastes, she was careful in selecting Duty Productions for her photography, by Thembinkosi Dludlu his always punctual, creates a relaxed environment and great pics. We bought hair at Luxe by Babalwa, they deliver nationally and have the most affordable, best pure quality Vietnamese hair. My friend, Sally always complimented Sonke on her hair and makeup and referred us to Samantha Tshivhase, Enchanted by Sam, to do her hair and makeup.
The catering and the table spread by Mila & Lili Catering Company always has beautiful tasty food, we;e been to a few of their events when I asked Sonke lets do a braai, she flat out refused and reached out to Mila & Lili Catering Co. by Lindi Mpalala, and Nafisa from Creative Cakes by Faiqa was also found by Sonke. She makes the most delicious cakes every time and has an impressive turnaround time. Andile from Andilicious Treats did the arch and gown.
GLAMOUR: How involved was your daughter in the process, and how did you make sure that the celebration ultimately felt like *her* rather than simply reflecting your vision as her mother?
Thuli: I made sure she had a direct line with the service providers, mostly because I'm busy and love to delegate, I was disappointed at times she just didn’t choose the options I would but we stuck by her choices and it worked out.
GLAMOUR: For you as the daughter, what did finding the perfect dress feel like? Tell us about the exact moment you knew you had found the one, and what inspired the look you ultimately chose.
SIsonke Mgwebile: I actually didn’t find "the one"—I made my dress "the one," if you know what I mean! The moment I saw my design come to life during the final fitting, I felt so beautiful. All my self-doubt vanished, replaced by a sudden surge of confidence, and that’s how I knew it was the one. I loved the idea of feeling like a soft, graceful princess in my baby blue, sparkly gown while still giving off a fierce look that declared, "I am here!"
GLAMOUR: What did you want your matric dance look to say about you, and how did you feel when you finally saw the complete look come together?
Sonke: I wanted my look to say that I could switch it up whenever I want to. I wanted to show a different side of my personality, one that was fierce, proving that I was no longer going to hide behind baggy clothes and hoodies. I wanted it to say that Sisonke’s here and ready to be the centre of attention. I was so happy when I saw what I’d been dreaming about become a reality. All the stress of preparing the look and hoping it would turn out well instantly fell away. I felt so beautiful and was so excited for everyone else to see me in my element.
GLAMOUR: What did this milestone mean to you personally? Beyond the dress and the celebration, what did going to your matric dance represent as you close one chapter and prepare for what comes next?
Sonke: My matric dance represented my new found confidence and ability to achieve the goals that l set l went from homeschooling where l was dreaming about making friends and whether or not l would have a MD, to main stream schooling where l was able to do things that l would never have done if l was still homeschooling like becoming a leader and participating in Mr and Miss. My matric dance showed me how much growth I have made in a short period of time. It also showed me that l am ready for the next chapter of my life, and a new adventure.
GLAMOUR: Your family travelled as part of a convoy on the day. What was that experience like for you, knowing that your parents and loved ones were making this journey alongside you?
Sonke: I felt like a princess, I felt loved and validated and had an overwhelming sense of appreciation for this beautiful moment in my life.
GLAMOUR: What was going through your mind as you drove with Sonke's dad in the convoy and watched your daughter make her way to this very special evening?
Thuli: It felt so festive, as she was waving to us we reflected on how far we have come as a family, the beginning of our vision, we named her Sisonke because we were one, and had our own little family and now it has grown, and we have come to this milestone, it was a fulfilling moment.
GLAMOUR: For parents who haven't experienced matric dance season yet, what can they realistically expect: emotionally, financially and in terms of the amount of planning involved?
Thuli: It does not have to be stressful, it’s a beautiful milestone, be prepared financially by planning in advance and lock in your budget with your princess so both expectations are met and aligned. Have Fun, it’s a once in a lifetime event for you guys.
GLAMOUR: What surprised you most about the experience?
Thuli: How everything came together, and the people came through and made it all worthwhile, how beautiful Sonke looked and how she appreciated everything. Her speech was my favourite part about the event.
GLAMOUR: Was there anything you found yourself worrying about beforehand that ultimately didn't matter?
Thuli: Yes I wanted a braai and was worried people wouldn’t be full.
GLAMOUR: Reflecting on your MD journey, what would you tell mothers who are tempted to make everything perfect?
Thuli: It's not about making everything perfect, it's about enjoying what you already have, and making the most of it.
GLAMOUR: Where should they focus their energy?
Thuli: I know its hard not to worry about the logistics and the finer details, but you might miss out on the actual moment, focus your energy on enjoying what you already have.
GLAMOUR: What advice would you give daughters entering matric dance season about enjoying the experience, handling the expectations and making the most of the milestone?
Thuli: I would tell them to do what makes them happy, don’t fall for the pressures of people wanting to put your face on a poster when you don’t want your face on a poster , it’s your special day , celebrate it in a way that makes you feel special and not in the way that others expect , do you boo cause lt’s your time to shine , Have a blast , cause this will be your memories and your experience
GLAMOUR: Was there a moment during the day when you both found yourselves stepping back and thinking, “Wow, this is really happening”?
Thuli: Yes, when Didi, my mom, arrived with my gran on Saturday from Cape Town, the mood immediately pointed to festivities. We collected the dress after the final fitting, and the countdown was on, I also finalised my look and the train was moving.
GLAMOUR: Now that the celebrations are behind you, what is the one memory from the day that you know you and your daughter will carry with you for years to come?
Thuli: This one is etched in the books of our lives, she knows we will always celebrate her achievements and milestones in the most opulent and spectacular way, she deserves everything of the best, she is worth it.
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