Watch: Benoni High School earns honours in the SA Highlands Championships

A cultural treat for the Highland lovers

The Benoni Juvenile Pipe Band was named Champion of Champions.

Benoni High School’s Juvenile Pipe Band claimed top honours at the South African Highland Championships, which was held at Benoni High School on Saturday (July 28).

The competition, held annually at the school, was a showcase of talent, precision and willingness to emerge victorious as pipers and drummers from bands across the country played to earn the title of “Champion of Champions”.

Benoni was represented by the Benoni Novice Juvenile Band, the Benoni Juvenile Band and the Grade 2 Benoni MacTalla.

The battle waged on but in the end, the Benoni Juvenile Band was placed first in the country as the top school band when they claimed the title of “Champion of Champions”.

Benoni MacTalla, a premier Grade 2 band, was placed second overall.

A full family day of food, fun and, of course, focused pipe bands, were the order of the day.

Large crowds gathered and Benoni High School was abuzz with the public cheering on the bands they came to support.

The Benoni bands received a rather overwhelming response from locals and learners of the school.

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Hilary Webber, former deputy principal of Benoni High School and a former Highland dancer from the age of three, said she was crossing her fingers to see all the Benoni bands emerge victorious.

“It is an event that is close to my heart, and one that is a family tradition,” said Webber, who went on to explain that her father, daughter, granddaughter, were also involved in Highland competitions and activities at some point in time.

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Eugene Rooyakkers, principal of Benoni High, said it was an absolute privilege to be part of a competition that is hosted in only a select few locations across the country.

“It humbles me to be a part of this competition,” he said.

Highland dancing and drum majors were also on the judging agenda, with contestants competing from all over the country.

Benoni High School has a reputation for wanting to “be the best” in every aspect, and the school, which will be turning 100 years old in 2022, prides itself on its academic, cultural and sporting activities, said Rooyakkers.