East London’s Phoenix Majorette Club has returned from the 2025 SAMCA National Championships, with a huge medal haul — putting an end to a dormant period in the sport that almost marked the end of majorette excellence in East London.
The competition which ran from July 10-13 saw Phoenix compete in the president’s high school division, up against more than 15,000 athletes from across the country. Despite the fierce competition they secured second place in the freeleader category.
This distinction has not been achieved by an Eastern Cape team since the late 1980s.
“We may be small in numbers, but our passion and work ethic are unmatched,” head coach Calista Stanton said. “This team has fought for every point, every place, and every moment on that field. They’ve shown that Eastern Cape majorettes are a force to be reckoned with once again.”
At the forefront of this success is team leader Ilke de Lange, who earned Protea colours for the third time, securing her place on the SA team heading to the World Championships later this year.
She is joined in the national team by fellow Phoenix majorettes Josey Mauer, Onwabe Banjwa, Zimi Ngwendu, Lwethu Myeza, Addyson Stanton and Inathi Mbengashe.
“I’m incredibly proud to be representing my country,” De Lange said. “To be able to achieve this for the third time is an honour. I cannot wait.
“While competing at SAMCA nationals, I felt nervous yet excited to perform the sport I’ve loved for so long.
“After placing second, the overwhelming feeling of happiness was unbelievable, it was a dream come true.”
She said balancing school life, athletics, and teenage years is no easy feat for herself and her teammates.
However, after a well-deserved break their focus will shift to intense training for World Championships.
“This is an incredible achievement for a team of our size,” Stanton said.
“These girls are not just athletes; they are national ambassadors. Their dedication is a reflection of what’s possible when talent is matched with hard work and heart.”
In addition to their historic silver win, Phoenix made the finals in the following categories: flag, pom/non-prop, large groups, mace group, baton classic, small mace, small flag, and small pom/non-prop.
Despite their size, the team placed 11th overall, competing against teams with up to 50 members.
Inam Ntikinca was commended by judges for showing exceptional resilience by competing through injury, helping her team secure fourth place in the final march.
Once dominant in the 1990s, with Stirling High School as national champions, the Eastern Cape had a long absence from major national competitions but their performance at nationals this weekend has proven that this is changing.
“Regrettably, we did not compete for many years,” Eastern Cape Majorette and Cheerleading Association (ECMCA) chair Elanore de Kock said. “But we’ve embarked on a new chapter. Phoenix’s performance and Ilke’s achievements are proof that we are on the path to reclaiming our legacy of excellence.
“We shall continue to strive for excellence and steadily introduce more teams within the Eastern Cape.”
Coach Stanton is calling on aspiring majorettes across the province to join the club’s growing legacy.
“If there are any high school girls interested in becoming a majorette, please reach out to us through our social media platforms,” she said. “I would love to take a team of 25 girls to nationals next year and give the other provinces a proper run for their money, and bring back even more medals.”
