Saturnus Primary marches to victory in Safe Schools competition

Gallery Video

GEORGE NEWS - Saturnus Primary School in Oudtshoorn was crowned the overall winner of the Eden and Central Karoo Education District (Ecked) Schools Marching Competition, held at Pacaltsdorp Primary School on 8 and 9 July.

Slangrivier Primary from Slang-rivier finished second, while last year's champions, MM Mateza Primary School from Thembalethu, George, secured third place. Conville Primary School, also from George, completed the top four.

The organisers described this year's competition as a resounding success, and said they have already set their sights on expanding the programme. Their goal is to increase participation from the current 25 schools to at least 35 next year.

The marching programme, introduced to the district through the Western Cape Education Department's Safe Schools Initiative in 2024, aims to create safer school environments for learners, educators and visitors. Beyond the competition, the programme forms part of the broader efforts to steer young people away from drugs, gangsterism, substance abuse and bullying, while providing support to learners facing social challenges.

Watch the video to see the learners in action:

The organisers expressed their appreciation to the parents and schools for their continued support, saying their involvement has been instrumental in the programme's success.

The B section winners were Thembalethu Primary (first), St. Konrad Primary (second), Kretzenshoop Primary (third), Mzoxolo Primary (fourth) and Parkdene Primary (fifth). Representing these schools are drum majors Melokuhle Tutwana, Masiano Claassen, Courtney London, Zintle Mavela and Jude Ngubane. Back SSGT: B. GIYAMA - SANDF. Photo: Zonique Phillips