GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Discipline, teamwork and school pride were on full display when learners from across the district took part in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District's (ECKED) drilling and marching competition at Pacaltsdorp Primary School on Wednesday and Thursday, 8 and 9 July.
Nineteen schools competed for the opportunity to represent the district at the Cape Winelands competition.
The schools marching programme was established by Saeed Ruiters as the Western Province Marching Association and has since grown into a competitive schools initiative. It was introduced to the Eden and Central Karoo Education District through the Western Cape Education Department's Safe Schools programme in 2024.
Addressing learners, Anton Titus, head of management and governance for the Eden and Central Karoo Education District, said: "This event evolved from an idea to become a programme that can be used as a flagship programme for safer schools and crime prevention."
Anton Titus, Head of Management and Governance for the WCED’s Eden and Central Karoo Education District. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
Titus thanked the South African Police Service (Saps), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), George Municipality, Garden Route District Municipality, civil society organisations and businesses for supporting the programme.
The initiative forms part of the district's crime prevention and behavioural modification strategy, providing learners with a structured extracurricular activity that promotes discipline, leadership, teamwork, community involvement and personal responsibility. A total of 25 schools in the district are enrolled in the programme.
The opening parade at Pacaltsdorp Primary School on Wednesday. Photos: Marguerite van Ginkel
Speaking directly to the learners, Titus had some advice: "Stay permanently away from crime and violence. Finish school and get your qualifications. Without them you cannot compete for the limited opportunities that are out there," he said.
Drawing on his own upbringing in Lawaaikamp, George, Titus challenged a commonly accepted belief. "People say your environment determines your behaviour, but that is not true. Your community does not determine who you are. You determine your own future," he said.
South African Defence Force Members Staff Sergeant B Giyama, Senior Warrant Officer DE Losper, Staff Sergeant BZ Mathenjwa and Staff Sergeant N Khulu. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
The SANDF and police provided coaching and mentorship in marching and drill techniques, helping learners develop confidence, discipline and leadership skills.
The event organisers thanked their partners and everyone who contributed to the success of the competition.
The winners will be announced in a follow-up article.
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