Ekurhuleni learners head to Croatia for Majorettes Championships

Edenvale learners Britney Tshuma and Gemma Crouwcamp are set to represent SA at the upcoming Majorettes World Federation (MFW) World Championships.

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The championships, where Gemma and Britney will compete in South Africa’s senior team, will be held in Zagreb, Croatia from September 23 to 25.

Starting their drum majorettes’ journey in Grade Four at Laerskool M W De Wet Primary School with the Jacaranda Panthers, Gemma and Britney, now matric learners, have excelled over the years.

After leaving primary school the duo joined the Dowerglen Panthers Club, however, are now part of the Sir John Adamson Club which is South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) affiliated.

In 2019 Brittney and Gemma qualified for their national colours for drum majorettes, before this they qualified for their SAMCA colours.

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Although life stalled as a result of Covid-19, Britney and Gemma resumed Drum Majorettes last year.

When SAMCA decided to send a team to the world championships the two teenagers were selected.

Explaining their interest in the sport, Gemma, an Edenvale High School learner, said when Miss Bunn, her first coach visited M W De Wet looking for a team to coach, she joined the team.

“Drum Majorettes was something new to me and I wanted to see what it was all about,” said Gemma.

“Gemma was performing at a prize-giving in 2014 and I was fascinated by what she was doing. I wanted to be like her and throw maces in the air,” said Dowerglen High School learner Britney.

Speaking about what they enjoy about the sport Gemma and Britney said they enjoy the sisterhood and practices.

Brittney explained that as a sport drum majorettes teaches self-discipline and time management.

Although this is her first time being selected to represent South Africa Britney said she feels very excited.

For Gemma, this will be her second time representing South Africa in Croatia however it will be her first time as a member of the senior team.

“It’s going to be a whole different ball game, there are going to be new girls and new coaches,” said Gemma.

Being older this time Gemma hopes to experience her second journey to Croatia more.

While in Croatia Britney and Gemma intend to excel in numerous displays at world championships, one of them being the mace duo category.

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Although they are still processing the information about being selected for the team the duo feels ready as they build more confidence.

“With drummies, South Africa has a unique style compared to other countries we will be competing against,” explained Gemma.

“This isn’t the country’s first time competing overseas. We have learned a lot from other countries and have grown.”

Gemma’s mother, Nicole Castelletto said the tour will cost each girl R34 000, covering their airfare, accommodation, food and some spending money.

The kit, visa and passport fees will cost another R7 500.

Nicole said to raise funds the families started separate BackaBuddy campaigns for Britney and Gemma.

She said the funds donated go directly into SAMCA’s account.

Nicole said she also plans on hosting a raffle valued at approximately R2 000 to raise additional funds for the girls.

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By raising funds through the raffle Nicole said she and Britney’s mother hope to cover some of the costs of visa and passport fees.

“SAMCA itself is an NPO. Each team member has a sponsorship letter and the NPO certificates for companies if they require them.”

Email Nicole on castellen10@gmail.com for more information.

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