Witsie uses her own money to start Wits Universities’ first Drum Majorettes.
A from Wits University has launched drum majorettes on campus using her own funds, in order to help students cope with university stress and improve academic performance.
The drum majorettes, known as Drummies, are Wits’ first female marching band.
Chairperson of the Drummies, Kamogelo Pakgadi, said “the aim of the sport is to create a place where people can learn discipline and team work, meet new people, have fun, travel and feel comfortable”.
Pakgadi said she hopes to get registered under Wits sports and societies and to attract sponsors to help with the financial burden.
The drum majorettes’ registration was rejected last year due to their lack of funding, as their sport struggled to draw sponsors.
Undergraduate Sports Council representative Sasha Nzvatu told Wits Vuvuzela: “In order to become a recreational sport code, you need a good business plan stating how you are going to fund your sport club, where you are going to get your gear, the number of members you are going to have, when and where practice is taking place and a fund-raising plan.”
Pakgadi told Wits Vuvuzela: “I tried registering the sport under Wits last year, but my application was rejected due to not having a strong budget plan, as Drummies required a lot of capital to start.
“I have spent the last semester trying to save up as much as I can for a capital start-up in order to be able to buy basic props. I am currently utilizing my personal finance to fund the sport and also do some fund-raising events to raise more funds until we are registered under Wits.”
Majorettes deputy chairperson Ayanda Duma told Wits Vuvuzela: “I personally want more people to be aware of Drummies via the introduction of the sport, on the entertainment side as well as for the benefits participants will receive, which are to have a place to let loose and keep active while at it.”
Pakgadi also wants to work in collaboration with the Bidvest Wits Marching Band.
So far, 78 women have joined the Drummies as members.
Nompumelelo Nkosi, a member of the Drummies, said: “I have been looking for a drum majorettes club in and around Braamfontein. This membership will also allow me to take my mind off my books, which is vital for my mental wellbeing. It will be an honour to be part of this beautiful creation.”
The Drummies’ first practice will take place on the library lawns of East Campus on Saturday, August 24.
FEATURED IMAGE: Left to right: Mmabatho Serepo, Kamogelo Pakgadi, Nokwando Busenga, Ayanda Duma, and Thato Satekgeall form part of the newly launched Wits drum majorettes. Photo: Lwandile Shange.
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