'All the storms were worth it': Ebenezer Drum Majorettes Reach Top-10 at National Championships

In a time when working families and communities face daily struggles against financial pressure and social challenges, a group of local young people has proven that dedication and mutual support can move any mountain. The Ebenezer Drum Majorettes have just returned from the South African National Drum Majorette Championships — and their achievement speaks of pure perseverance and passion.

What initially looked like a building season with a brand-new team to head coach Dalene Tembanie turned into a brilliant success story when the team not only made the finals, but finished in the top 10 in the country. Furthermore, the team's flag group secured an impressive fourth place nationwide.

Exceeding Expectations on the Big Stage

"Last year, I participated with a completely new team that I had to teach," says Dalene, who also serves as a clinical nurse in her daily life. "The expectation this year was just that things would go better because everyone was already trained. I hoped that if we made the finals, I would be happy. But the drum majorettes swept the rug out from under me!"

Following the lead-up to the final round, the Ebenezer Drum Majorettes were scheduled to perform first on the program in the finals — right against the strongest teams in South Africa.

"All I asked of my team was that they apply what we practiced, give their best, and enjoy themselves," says Dalene. "The way the athletes surprised me was beyond any expectation. They really left everything on the mat."

Photo: Ebenezer Senior Drum Majorettes Coach Dalene Tembanie

Challenges On and Off the Field

However, the road to the national games was not without storms. Injuries put the team to the test when two athletes suffered knee injuries — one shortly before the tournament and a second during the semi-finals.

Since drum majorettes do not use substitutes, the team had to adapt quickly so that formations were not affected. With Dalene's medical background as a clinical nurse, she was able — with the parents' permission — to care for the injured athlete. The rest of the team stood together and performed so seamlessly that one couldn't even notice the missing member.

Another harsh reality for the community was financial obstacles. Two athletes were unable to travel due to a lack of funds. Dalene personally sponsored two athletes out of her own pocket, but unfortunately, it was not possible to cover everyone's costs.

The Local Community Steps Up

Despite the difficult circumstances, the community and local supporters showed what can be done when people care for one another. Two weeks before the trip, outside assistance began pouring in.

Among the sponsors who made a decisive difference were the Lions Club in Paarl, Ann Philander from Biltong Hub, as well as a generous individual donation of R5,000. This support gave the team the necessary boost to realize their dream on the national stage.

Growth, Discipline, and the Road Ahead

Ebenezer Senior Drum Majorettes Flag Group who Received Fourth Place at Nationals

For the team members, the journey was much more than just a competition; it was a school for life. The experience built their self-confidence, strengthened their mutual trust, and showed what discipline and teamwork can achieve.

"This experience taught me once again that hard work combined with dedication always bears fruit," says Dalene.

The Ebenezer Drum Majorettes are not resting on their laurels and are already looking to the future:

• 29 August 2026: Start of the skills development program in the sport.

• 5 September 2026: Performance at Hillcrest Primary School's derby in Wellington.

• 31 October 2026: Participation in the Reach for Recovery Cancer Walk in Langebaan.

• November 2026 & Early 2027: Boland trials followed by the South African trials for the new season.

When Dalene summarizes the Ebenezer Drum Majorettes' entire journey to and through the national games, she does so with a single, powerful sentence that can serve as inspiration for every worker, parent, and young person in the community:

"All the storms were worth it."