Durbanville Majorettes Club (DMC), based at Aristea Primary School in Kraaifontein, is appealing to the public, local businesses, corporate sponsors, radio stations, newspapers and television media to help send its athletes to the 2026 Federation of Dance, Drill, Cheerleading and Majorettes (FDDCM) National Championships in August.

The club, based at Aristea Primary School, has already exceeded expectations during the first round of the Western Cape Provincial Championships, held on 4 July at J.G. Meiring High School in Goodwood.

The junior team was crowned Provincial Large Drill Champions, achieving first place in the Leader, Subbies, Squad, Display and Overall categories within the Large Drill division, together with numerous individual and team podium finishes.

Multiple awards

Additional achievements included a first place in the Non-Prop Mini category, as well as multiple gold and silver achievement awards across individual and team events.

Kaitlyn Metcalf achieved second place in the Baton Solo category, as well as second place with Eshnicka Gordon and Cassidy Klein in the Non-Prop Trio category.

Kaira Kali came second in the Non-Prop Solo category.

Corné Ryke and Peyton Goliath both came third in the Baton Flag Solo and Non-Prop Solo categories respectively.

Strong performances

The success extended beyond the junior division, with the senior team also delivering strong performances at the first round of provincials, further demonstrating the depth of talent within the club, says Yvonne Viljoen, founder of Durbanville Majorettes Club.

Asikelele Tsetswa and Rea Makaloi came third in the Senior Non-Prop Duo/Trio category, while Tsetswa and Peyton Goliath also came third in the Senior Baton Duo/Trio category.

The Senior Non-Prop Mini Formation, as well as the Senior Non-Prop Group, came fifth.

Prepare for nationals

With the second round of provincials taking place on 1 August at the Bellville Velodrome, the team continues to prepare for the National Championships, which will be held at Huguenot High School in Wellington from 24 September to 1 October.

Now in its seventh year of competition, Durbanville Majorettes Club supports approximately 60 junior and senior athletes from schools across Kraaifontein, Durbanville, Bellville, Kuils River and surrounding communities, Viljoen says.

“Founded in 2019, DMC was established to provide opportunities for young athletes from all backgrounds to participate in the sport of majorettes.

“Beyond competition, the club focuses on developing confidence, discipline, leadership and teamwork while creating a positive environment where young people can thrive,” she says.

Exceptional commitment

“These dedicated athletes train up to 23 hours per week, including weekends and school holidays — demonstrating an exceptional commitment to their sport.

“The club’s growing success is further highlighted by the selection of five athletes for the South African national team, which will represent South Africa at the International Association of Majorettes World Championships in Poland during August,” Viljoen says.

The five athletes are Kaitlyn Metcalf, Yordin-Leigh January, Eshnicka Gordon, Melanie von Mollendorff and Asikelele Tsetswa.

Urgent financial support needed

While the athletes have earned their place through hard work and determination, the cost of competing at nationals remains significant.

“The club needs to raise more than R200,000 to cover accommodation, meals, transport, registration fees, equipment and athlete support costs required for participating in the national championships.

“Despite ongoing fundraising initiatives throughout the year, additional sponsorships and donations are urgently needed to ensure every qualifying athlete has the opportunity to compete,” Viljoen urges.

How you can help

Viljoen appeals to businesses, corporate sponsors or any community members to assist with sponsorships, donations or fundraising opportunities.

“Every contribution, interview, article, social media share or sponsorship brings these athletes one step closer to representing their community and the Western Cape on the national stage.

“Our athletes have worked incredibly hard and have already achieved more than we ever expected at provincials. We now need the support of the community and business sector to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent these talented young athletes from reaching the nationals,” she says.

• Contact Yvonne Viljoen on 082 499 7418 or yvonne.viljoen@ooba.co.za to assist.

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