Learners from schools across Cape Town impressed the judges with their performances at the annual Metro Central district marching competition.
The competition saw two days of action at Rhodes High School in Mowbray from Wednesday 4 to Thursday 5 October. This year saw 17 primary and high schools participating.
The competition was organised by the Western Province Marching Association (WPMA) together with the Western Cape Education Department’s Metro Central School Enrichment and Metro Central Safer Schools programmes.
Bonteheuwel High School took first prize in the high school division while Red River Primary School in Manenberg claimed the top spot in the primary school category.
The schools were grouped together in various categories.
New kids on the block, Windermere Primary Marching Band in Kensington walked away with trophies in category C for best dressed, and grand march pass, while their drum majorette also received a trophy.
The band consists of 30 learners from grades 5 and 6. The team is managed by teachers, Charis Abrahams, Jaqueline Fernandes and Darwesa Salie.
Rodney Page, Deputy Principal at Windermere Primary School, said they are proud of the learners’ achievement.
“The marching band is a disciplined sport. This definitely helps with concentration, commitment, teaching discipline, behaviour and punctuality in our marching squad.”
Salie said since starting the band in June this year learners have shown great improvement.
“Learners are displaying leadership qualities, camaraderie is evident, assisting one another to remember the routine. It instills a sense of pride. Learners are proud of their uniform. It stimulates their academic performance. The learners have to memorise routines, count, and work together.”
Salie says the learners only had a few months to prepare.
“They have only been training for approximately 3 months, once or twice weekly. We didn’t expect to win anything. We just wanted the learners to participate and have fun.”
Delia van Schalkwyk, chair of WPMA, said the association was started by Portland High School teacher, Saeed Ruiters more than a decade ago to nurture the youth to become model citizens, future leaders and positive role models.
She adds that the association aims to keep children off the street and away from drugs and gangsterism.
“We are grateful to our partners. They always assist the association whenever we need things. They will supply us with drums or catering on competition days.
“We also want to thank teachers and coaches for supporting the learners even no during the school holiday,” said Van Schalkwyk.
