Curro Helderwyk High School’s majorettes finished second overall in the Challenge Cup at the SAMCA National Championships 2026, placing them as the second-ranked team in South Africa in their league.

The championships, which took place in July, saw Helderwyk compete against 13 of the country’s top teams and qualified as one of only 8 teams to advance to the finals.

The result adds another national achievement to a programme that started at the beginning of 2024 and has moved quickly through the competitive ranks.

Finals place secured

The high school team delivered several podium finishes at nationals.

They placed 1st in Classic Baton, 2nd in Flag Group, 2nd in Mace Group, 2nd in Drill Overall and 3rd in Pom Non-Prop.

Those results contributed to the team finishing 2nd overall in the Challenge Cup. According to the school’s earlier results from the same championship period, the high school team placed second in the Presidents League Challenge Cup and will enter the Elite League in 2027.

Young programme, national results

Curro Helderwyk’s majorette programme is still in its early stages, but its national results have already placed both the primary and high school teams in stronger competitive positions.

‘Our majorette programme was established at the beginning of 2024, and in just a few short years it has grown into one of the leading programmes in South Africa,’ says Curro Helderwyk Executive Head, Patrys van Zyl, before adding, ‘One of the biggest factors behind our success has been the strength of our coaching team.’

The coaching team includes Celia Opperman, who brings decades of technical knowledge and leadership, as well as Tsiamo Mphiyake, Chandre Opperman and Shaahida Mashaba, who bring recent provincial and national competition experience.

Patrys says the development of younger coaches also matters for the long-term strength of the programme.

‘Several of our younger coaches are now working towards achieving their National Coaching Colours, demonstrating their commitment to continuous learning and professional development,’ she adds.

Gauteng selections add to season

Seven Curro Helderwyk learners were selected for the Gauteng team: Lwandile Dludlu, Lamaswazi Simelane, Mbalentle Singwani, Kamogelo Nkoana, Khloe Naude, Zenokuhle Sithole and Sibhale Mbatha. Gauteng finished second nationally.

‘Having these learners from Curro Helderwyk being selected to represent Gauteng is a clear indication of the quality of our coaches,’ Patrys says.

Every selected learner entered the programme without previous majorette experience, giving the school a clear indication of the progress made through training.

Support around the team also contributed to the season. Dressing room mothers Laureen McAllister, Anri Naude and Busisiwe Ndlovu managed uniforms and helped learners prepare before performances, while teachers, staff members, parents and guardians supported the practical demands of the competition season.

The high school team will now prepare for the Elite League in 2027, with a top-10 finish as its next target.