South Africans, we have an extraordinary Majorette star in our midst! A student in Grade 11 from Redford House Blue Hills, Katleho Dichaba is a young superstar who’s taking the Majorette world by storm. Katleho started drum majorettes in primary school at age nine after hearing about it during a presentation at her then school, Curro Thatchfield. From that day on, it’s been a match made in heaven.
“My two coaches from CTF NAVY presented it to my previous primary school. Trials were held, and I took it upon myself to try a new and different sport for a change. That’s when I got accepted into the team. Over the years, my skills began developing, and I could understand the different prop work better, such as pom, baton, mace, flag, and double flag.”
Dichaba was awarded Junior Gauteng Provincial colours in 2019. At that time, she was the youngest in her team to receive the colours. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, like most things, she had to take an enforced break.
“I left the sport and explored other sporting activities. In 2023, one of my old CTF Navy teammates messaged me, asking if I’d be interested in coming back to the team, and so I returned. I saw this as God giving me a sign.
“As I started getting back on track, I was offered the chance to trial for Senior Gauteng colours, which I was awarded, as well as South African Majorette colours under SAMCA – the South African Majorettes and Cheerleading Association.”
Redford House Blue Hills scholar Proteas Colours Recipient, Katleho Dichaba
The following year, Dichaba took a worthy gamble and went to trials for the Protea Majorettes. “I decided to go for the Protea majorettes national team trials, though I left a lot of room for disappointment because I had just come back and wasn’t as skilled as the others. But by God’s grace, I was selected for the national team.”
She describes the unforgettable moment when she donned the green and gold, the national colours of South Africa.
“Receiving my Protea colours was a heartfelt moment for me. It still feels surreal, but I was very honoured and blessed. In 2022, I lost my best friend, my aunt—one of the few people who knew what achieving my Protea colours would mean to me. It felt as if I made not only myself but her proud because we had been looking forward to that day.”
The Grade 11 learner became the first African selected to perform a Baton solo on an international stage, the hardest prop in history. The Majorette Sport World Federation hosted the International Majorette World Championships in Cape Town this year.
“Many countries partake in the competition, such as Slovakia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and others. Baton is the hardest prop due to the need for your body and the prop to be in sync. If you’re doing a roll that lasts more than two counts, your feet, hand placement, and body alignment are crucial.”
Dichaba explains the cost challenges associated with Majorettes. “I wouldn’t say drum majorettes is particularly expensive in terms of training fees. However, additional costs like uniforms, props, transportation, and nationals are what make it seem incredibly expensive. These costs carry a heavy toll on our parents, as we’ve had a difficult time receiving sponsors.”
She adds that corporate support would be a game changer. “It would enable access to resources, equipment, and expertise, enhancing our influence and credibility. Receiving sponsorships would make a huge difference, as some teammates can’t afford Nationals, which affects the whole team’s displays.”
Dichaba has to juggle school and sport, but her support system has anchored her success. “My mom has always encouraged me to try different activities, which has helped me develop time management skills. I’ve learned to love academics, creating a balance between school and sports. My teachers at Redford House Blue Hills make balancing school and sport fun, which keeps me motivated.”
Known among her peers as an all-rounder and over-achiever, Katleho recently became Executive Head of Sports at school.
“I play all sports in the school curriculum except softball. I play football, where I’m captain, netball, swimming, tennis, athletics, dance, dramatic arts, and many other activities. I was recently selected to play in the TPL (Tshwane Prime League) after being one of five preselected netball players by the TPL coaches out of 1,000 applicants.”
For young girls looking to follow in her footsteps, she encourages them to set big goals and believe in themselves.
“Embrace failure as a chance to learn and grow, surround yourself with positive influences, and prioritise your physical and mental well-being. Own your successes, celebrate progress, and, most importantly, love the game, have fun, and be unapologetically yourself. By internalising these principles, we as young girls can overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams.”
Dichaba also highlights the need for more media coverage and support for women in sport. “Women have been overlooked and undermined for too long, creating inequality in how females are treated versus males in sports. Coverage and airtime allow women to tell their stories and celebrate their accomplishments the same way male counterparts do. It fosters a supportive, diversified culture that inspires and creates role models for future generations.”
Though Dichaba has achieved so much, the world is still her oyster. “My biggest dream in drum majorettes is to get scouted by the Czech Republic majorettes team and allow myself to grow and develop new skills and talents within that team.”
Photo Caption: Katleho Dichaba is a Grade 11 learner steadily rising as a Majorette star in SA. In September, she was awarded her Majorette Protea Colours and became the first African selected to perform a Baton solo on an international stage. Photo: Supplied
