A delegation from the provincial department showed their support at the recent inter-provincial marching drill competition held at the Castle of Hope in Cape Town.

Four Eastern Cape schools, all from Gqeberha in the Nelson Mandela Metro district competed against other schools mainly from the Western Cape.

Ndzondelelo High School, Soqhayisa High, Charles Duna and Alpha primary schools showed their talent taking home a combined total of 14 trophies in various categories of the competition.

This included the best dress category, grand march, drum major, best exhibition and overall winners’ category.

The marching drill competition promotes good behaviour, discipline, dedication, determination, and accountability.

It also advocates against substance abuse and violent behaviour amongst young people including learners.

The marching drill programme was started in 2007 by retired Mitchell's Plain station commander, Major General Jeremy Vearey in an attempt to combat violence in schools.

He recruited a handful of young people into the programme where they received training in marching and drilling.

The programme has since expanded from Mitchell's Plain based schools attracting huge interest from schools based in the Eastern Cape.