The competition, organised by the Delft Law Enforcement School Resource Office Unit and the WPMA, is aimed at strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community.

'School resource officers not only help to make schools safer places, but also assist in building positive relationships with young people and encouraging them to become law-abiding and responsible citizens. A marching band provides another family to which all band members can belong. In the band, they learn values and standards, and they learn teamwork and how to appreciate their fellow band members,' said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

‘It was my vision to start the competition that was conceptualised and brought to life by Law Enforcement officer Wayne Dyason.

‘The students in the programme find themselves in very challenging domestic situations, but they have bought into the idea of the marching competition and how practicing this discipline can have social benefits. They get to meet other students, develop leadership skills, learn to work as a team and also build better relationships with their teachers and the  SRO's at the school. Those in the program want to make a difference. Some students have left the school but have returned and cited the marching competitions as being one of the major reasons for them returning. We are all excited as the programme is being rolled out to primary schools,’ added Alderman Smith.

The competition gives the young people the opportunity to showcase their talent and in turn encouraging others to form part of this initiative.

'A marching band provides a unique opportunity to boost the self-esteem of those who participate and foster a sense of unity and belonging. Our SROs are commended for the initiative which not only strengthens our relationship with the community and allows these young people to showcase their talents in front of their community and families, but also boosts their confidence to change their communities,' added Alderman Smith.

This year Crystal High School walked away with the honours of Section A while Voorbrug won in Section B.

The other participating high schools were Voorbrug and Delft Technical School both in Delft, Heideveld, St Andrews from Elsies River, Crystal High in Hanover Park and Mountview in Grassy Park.

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