Nearly 600 learners from 23 marching bands competed in their final event for 2024 in Kraaifontein this past weekend, as part of the Law Enforcement School Resource Officers cadet programme.
The Voorbrug Hindle Cadets were the first marching band, established in 2018 to provide a positive outlet for learners.
Since then, the School Resource Officers Unit has established a total of 19 teams. Four schools (JS Klopper Primary, Downeville Primary, Eindhoven Primary and Delft High) started their own marching bands, and joined the cadet programme, taking the overall number of teams to 23.
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Area
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Schools
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Bishop Lavis
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Bishop Lavis High
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Delft
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Eindhoven Primary, Delft Primary, The Hague Primary, Delft North Primary, Leiden High, Hindle High, Delft High, Delft Technical High, Voorbrug High
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Elsies River
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JS Kloppers Primary, Elswood High
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Hanover Park
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Crystal High
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Heideveld
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Willows Primary, Woodlands Primary, Heideveld High
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Kalksteenfontein
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Kalksteenfontein Primary
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Kraaifontein
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Cavalaria Primary, Scottsville High
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Manenberg
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Downeville Primary
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Mitchells Plain
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Paramount High
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Uitsig
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St. Andrews High
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Valhalla Park
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Beauvallon High
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‘The cadet programme made sense as an extra-mural activity because unlike many other activities or sporting codes, there is no limit to the number of participants. And everyone is actively involved, all of the time. Marching is inclusive, and it instils discipline and confidence in the learners, which in turn has the potential to create a more harmonious school environment. We have already seen how the cadet programme has literally made learners step to a different beat, and sent them down a path many did not believe was possible.
‘I want to commend our School Resource Officers and the schools and teachers and communities who have helped this initiative grow from one marching band to 23 in just eight years. My hope is that more schools will see the benefits, and sign up to the cadet programme, or at least use the blueprint, to help more learners march into the future,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Teams practice twice a week, and more frequently in the lead up to competitions.
The competitions are organised and managed by the SRO unit, with the assistance of teachers, schools and other community organisations.
The competitions include various categories such as Best Dressed, Grand March Pass, Exhibition March, Best Drum major and most disciplined team.
The teams who scored overall top honours in this weekend’s grand finale were Delft North Primary School and Voorbrug High School.
Supplied by: City of Cape Town
