Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Marching to positivity
A MARCHING drill, dance school and after-care programme run by a former police officer is breathing new hope into the lives of children living in Manenberg.
Sampros Vanni Tjatjies Marching Cadets together with Marilyn Jones, a former police officer, are using backyards and open fields in Manenberg to educate children to dance, march and drill and to read and write.
Despite humble beginnings and tattered and torn clothes, they make sure to look immaculate and tidy as a cadet squad.
They have competed provincially and locally in the past but due to lockdown restrictions they were not able to compete. They were also part of the retirement ceremony for top cop Major-General André Lincoln and carried out the salute proceedings on the day of the event.
Every week, the cadets are found on an open field near Duinefontein Road while others gather in Jones’s backyard where they are taught to read, write and are assisted with their homework.
Moegamat Amien Samodien, better known as “Samo”, said it all began when he taught contemporary dancing at a local primary school and was introduced to marching drills.
He said the love for children began when his own parents opened their home to kids in their community.
“We lived in Woodstock, then moved to Bonteheuwel and later to Manenberg. We loved being around children and uplifting them.
“I decided to open an NGO. We opened an arts culture academy where we taught dancing and later soccer. Seven years ago, I was introduced to the Western Province Marching Association. That is where I got my skills and did my coaching classes. Then we began the marching drill team.”
He said they called it Vanni Tjatjies Marching Drill to represent Manenberg.
“These children are eager; we groom them into drill marching. There’s a craving – children want to learn more skills – and out of the drilling there is dancing and singing and drama.”
He said they work with other organisations such as Balls not Guns, which allows the children to see life outside of Manenberg.
“When they go to BoKaap, for example, they are in a different environment. They build friendships and there is unity.”
Samo said they had a great need for equipment and uniforms.
“We allow them to raise their voice and they helped to design their clothes for their uniform, which are now worn-out. We need equipment, various drums, musical instruments and tracksuits.”
Gloria Veale of Balls Not Guns said the children were an inspiration. “They, like us, are about uniting children through peace and team spirit and love, and they bring such a powerful message to our communities and are disciplined.”
Yushrah Carelse, 19, has been doing the marching drill for a year and loves it.
“I’m also involved in the fund-raising and this brings a lot of opportunities. the children get to meet new people and experience new things.”
Marilyn Jones, who runs the after-care from her own pocket and donations, said they were empowering their children not just to drill or dance, but also to read and write.
“This began during the lockdown and I asked people for colouring pencils for the children, and paper. I noticed some of the children could not write their names. Some children repeated Grade 1.”
She said she was in the police force for more than 20 years and felt it was time to give back.
“I saw the children loved to colour in and I could see they loved being creative.”