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Hopes of 200 marching drill children diminished at the swipe of a pen

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225 Learners from four schools across Gqeberha selected to represent their schools and Eastern Cape in the Schools Marching Drill Competition in Cape Town this coming Saturday 14 October, were left disappointed and demoralized after receiving the sudden news that the funding for their trip by the Department of Education Eastern Cape to compete in the Western Cape Schools Marching Drill Competition had suddenly been declined by the CFO of Supply Chain, just days before they are due to depart for Cape Town on 11 October 2023.

Go Big Community Development, a local non-profit company and the founder of the Projects Schools Marching Drill Inspiration program, started eight years ago in the Northern Areas and Township communities of Gqeberha, where the influences of crime, drugs and gangsterism are a big threat to the youth. The program aims to instill respect and discipline amongst school going youth, through police and army drilling exercises, which improves the focus and discipline in the children. The organization partnered with the Department of Education Eastern Cape and local law enforcement under the safer schools program to accomplish this goal. To date, the program has grown in support and participation from schools and communities, whilst having a positive impact on the behavior of children.

Annually, schools from across the city and province would compete in the Eastern Cape Schools Marching Drill Competition at the Gelvandale Stadium, where the top two schools in both senior and junior divisions would qualify to compete in the Western Cape Schools Marching Drill Competition on 14 October 2023. This initiative forms part of an exchange where schools from both provinces participate in each other’s respective competitions. This year Alpha Primary and Charles Duna Primary qualified in the junior division, with Ndzondelelo High and Soqhayisa High qualifying in the senior division. These four schools would then represent the Eastern Cape at this National Competition in Cape Town.

The cost for accommodation and transport of the four schools are funded by the Department of Education Eastern Cape, under the safer schools program. Without this support there is no chance these schools could afford to be part of this competition, with many of the learners coming from some of the poorest areas and households in Gqeberha. For many of these children it is the first time in their lives travelling out of the city.

When this program commenced in February 2023, the Department of Education had assured Go Big Community Development and the participating schools that a budget had been allocated for the Cape Town Competition, yet merely days before the schools are due to depart, the request for funding through the Department of Education Supply Chain was declined by the CFO: Ms Ngcingwana due to budget constraints.

Go Big Community Development, Project Coordinator, Mr Zee Agherdien shared: “The frustration and disappointment lies in the fact that 225 learners, who have given their full dedication to this program throughout the year, even practicing on weekends and schools holidays, are just left abandoned at the last minute, with very little time to make any sort of contingency plans. This program and these learners deserve better than that.”

An appeal from Go Big Community Development and its partners goes out to local business and the stakeholders to assist in any way possible to contribute towards the transport and accommodation for the squads. Any form of assistance, donations or sponsorship would be highly appreciated and would be going towards an excellent cause. 56 seater Buses cost approximately R60 000.00 each, in addition to the accommodation for four nights stay in Cape Town.

In his appeal to the public, Go Big Community Development CEO, Mr Addie Jappie said: “We are faced with a tall task to try and get these children up to the Western Cape Competition, but if we make a concerted team effort, anything is possible. We are calling on all stakeholders and businesses to help these children, who come from some of the poorest homes, yet still give their 110% dedication to this program.”

“We want to urge the local media to please stand behind us in this effort to bring attention to the powers that be, who make such cold and clinical decisions without truly looking out for the wellbeing of our learners. Too long have we sat back and allowed our kids to be neglected. But not anymore!” said Zee Agherdien in his request to the media.

Should any donors or sponsors wish to make contact with Go Big Community Development to assist, please contact Mr Zee Agherdien on 0670709412 or zee@gobigsa.co.za.

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