Witsie selected to represent South Africa in the Worlds Cheerleading competition.

Third-year BA Wits University fine arts student Siyamthanda Buthelezi will represent South Africa for the second time at the Cheerleading and Dance World Championship competition which will take place in Florida, USA, from April 25-27.

“The first time I went [in 2017], we were the first South African all-girl group to go. Our routine was still very new, and we didn’t know what to expect. Now we know our competition, we know what’s coming to us,” the 22-year-old told Wits Vuvuzela.

“[Being selected] brings about a chance for the all-girls’ team to display their new routine to the public, as well as show their improvement,” Buthelezi said.

Liso Yanta, a fellow cheerleader described Buthelezi as a hardworking perfectionist.

“She is the type of cheerleader that ensures that stunts hit, on every try – and doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight if it is for the good of the squad,” Yanta told Wits Vuvuzela. “She continually pushes herself, and her dedication to the sport is unparalleled.”

According to Buthelezi, cheerleading as a sport in South Africa is underfunded and the South African team will be going to Florida without sponsors.

Buthelezi, whose mother is a single parent, said that paying for the trip is still a struggle as her mother is funding her studies and that of her two siblings who are still at school.

Buthelezi said she would like to raise the profile of the sport in the country, and hopes to become a coach for future South African teams.

The US All-Star Federation (USASF) who host the competition, bring together more than 11 000 cheerleaders and 4 000 dance athletes to battle for world champion titles in senior and international club divisions and categories.

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FEATURED IMAGE: Siyamthanda Buthelezi wearing her Protea’s tracksuit for cheerleading. Photo: Provided.