The drum majorettes of Dr GJ Joubert Primary School, who were crowned Boland Champions at the schools championships held on Saturday 6 August, will participate at the national drummies event after a 10-year absence.
“The last time we went to the nationals was in 2012, so this really marks an incredible comeback by the school,” said teacher and drummies trainer, Sharon Lategan, who started the school’s drum majorette team 23 years ago.
She is assisted by her colleague, Leandra Worship, and both expressed confidence that this group of girls can possibly go all the way. “They’re incredibly hard-working and despite underprivileged, difficult and challenging backgrounds, they have overcome it all,” said Worship.
The team, made up of 34 learners from Grade 2 to Grade 7 and aged between seven and 13 years old, obtained the overall winners position at the Boland championships, which gave them automatic qualification to the national schools championships, due to be held from Saturday 1 to Wednesday 5 October in Polokwane, Limpopo.
The trip will cost at least R3 500 per learner according to preliminary costs, and the school is now appealing for sponsorships.
“This achievement serves also as a form of upliftment for the girls, they are dedicated and disciplined. Many are from broken homes and to perform on a national stage, will be for many a once in a lifetime experience. We really hope we can garner the support to help them afford the trip to nationals,” said Lategan.
For more information or sponsorships, contact the school at 021 853 7422.
