MADOMBIDZHA – Whenever they perform, be it at district, regional or provincial competitions, the drum majorettes of Tshikwarani Primary School at Madombidzha always take top honours, despite their lack of resources.

Under the leadership of Mrs Johanna Mbedzi the drum majorettes, established in 2002, recently thrilled the masses during the Provincial Drum Majorettes Championships held at the Seshego Stadium and ultimately scooped the first position in small drill, mace, flag, twirling flag, non-prop group, mace trio, flag trio, non-prop trio and twirling flag trio groups.

Despite their excellence, the Tshikwarani drummies still rely on indoor uniforms (small drill), which were donated by the Soutpansberg Primary School. According to Mrs Mbedzi, her drummies will be leaving in the next coming weeks to participate in the national competition of the South African Drum Majorettes Association (SADMA) at the Belville Stadium from 9-16 July, 2005.

“As a rural school, we do not have group uniforms, so we are making a plea to good Samaritans to assist us with the transport and catering fees to Cape Town. We will be participating in Belville as a school, but representing our district and our province,” she said.

Mbedzi said that, irrespective of the hardships they are presently encountering, practices as part of their preparations are taking place as usual. “We do not want to discourage these dedicated and committed learners, who are prepared to put their school and the province on the map by stopping practising. What we want is financial support and more group uniforms,” she said. Mbedzi can be contacted at 082 226 6821.