GQEBERHA – A sport that once disappeared from Gqeberha is making a comeback, thanks to a group of determined young athletes and a newly established club that is already making its mark on the national stage.

Algoa Majorettes, the only majorette team currently operating in Gqeberha, have qualified for the South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) National Championships in Johannesburg from 5 to 7 July.

The achievement is significant not only for the eight girls who make up the team but also for the growth of a sport that has largely been absent from the city for decades.

While often associated with colourful performances and marching displays, majorettes is a recognised competitive sport in South Africa and internationally.

The sport requires discipline, fitness and teamwork, with athletes competing in categories such as baton, mace, flag and pom-pom routines that are judged on technical execution, synchronisation, choreography and presentation.

According to Algoa Majorettes coach Francisca Bester, the last active majorette teams in Gqeberha competed during the 1980s.

“As a newly established team, it has been challenging to promote the sport, as it is relatively unknown in our city,” she said.

Algoa Majorettes currently consist of eight primary school girls aged 12 and 13 from schools across Gqeberha.

While some team members have several years of experience in the sport, others only started competing this year.

Despite their varying levels of experience, the team has quickly established itself as one of the Eastern Cape’s top-performing squads.

The girls competed throughout the season in league competitions hosted by the Eastern Cape Majorette and Cheerleading Association (ECMCA), participating in four categories: Large Flag, Large Non-Prop/Pom, Classic Baton and Small Mace.

“The team participated in various league competitions over the past few months and competed in four different categories,” said Bester.

Their consistent performances earned them an overall second-place finish for the season and secured qualification for the national championships.

For the athletes, the opportunity to compete at nationals represents far more than a competition.

“Participating in the SAMCA National Championships is the highest level of competition in the sport, excluding international participation with the national team, and it is a great honour to be selected for such a prestigious event,” Bester explained.

Qualification is based on performances throughout the season, with only the top teams from each province earning the right to represent their region at the championships.

As the only team from Gqeberha competing at the event, the girls are proud to carry the city’s name onto the national stage.

“The team is excited and honoured to represent their schools, city and province at the National Championships,” said Bester.

“They look forward to showcasing their routines, making new friends and learning from teams from other provinces. They hope to put GQ on the map as a serious competitor in the sport and to make everyone in the city proud.”

Like many amateur sports clubs, Algoa Majorettes face ongoing challenges. Travel costs, competition expenses and equipment needs require constant fundraising efforts, particularly because competitions are currently hosted outside the city.

“We have to work very hard to raise funds, as travel costs are high and competitions currently take place outside the city,” Bester said.

The team practises on the grounds of the Dutch Reformed Church in Lorraine, with support from parents who help secure sponsorships, organise fundraisers and ensure the club can continue to grow.

“We are incredibly grateful to our supportive parents, who go out of their way to secure sponsorships and donations and work tirelessly to organise fundraising events to help purchase equipment and cover travel and competition expenses,” she said.

While the team has ambitions of reaching the finals and potentially securing a top-three finish in Johannesburg, the broader goal extends beyond medals.

The club hopes its national appearance will inspire more young people in Gqeberha to become involved in the sport and help establish majorettes once again as a familiar sight in local schools and communities.

“We hope to have the whole of GQ behind us and to spark a renewed interest in the sport among the youth,” said Bester.

Looking beyond this year’s championship, the club has ambitious plans for the future of majorettes in Gqeberha.

“The dream is to grow the sport in Gqeberha at both primary and high school levels, while also becoming the preferred majorette team that creates hope and opportunities for the youth of our city,” she said.

For Bester, majorettes are about far more than routines and competitions.

“It is an incredible sport that promotes and develops teamwork, dedication, self-discipline, confidence and leadership, among many other valuable life skills.”

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