Durban’s Brigade boys are more than just a marching band

If you have had the pleasure of seeing a marching band of young men, uniformly dressed and playing in unison around Durban then you have met the Boys’ Brigade.

The Boys’ Brigade has been a common denominator for generations of young and old men in Sydenham, Durban, since 1935.

The concept of the organisation was first established in Scotland as an international interdenominational Christian youth organisation to combine drill and fun activities with Christian values.

“It has serviced the community of Sydenham in many protests including anti-drug and anti-crime parades,” said Wayne Leyds, captain of the Boys’ Brigade.

Leyds succeeded the legendary late Sam Draai as captain. Draai was an apartheid activist, a second world war veteran, a Comrades runner and an inspiration to many boys in Sydenham and beyond. One of those boys was Leyds, who joined the brigade as a young boy and has progressed through the ranks from head drummer to now captain.

Leyds’ son, Theodore, (11), is also in the brigade and plays the trumpet.

“We both started learning how to play at the same time but he is better than me,” remarked Leyds.

“The organisation is a lifetime commitment and it has been passed on from generation to generation.”

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The brigade in Sydenham is extra special because it is made up mostly of boys from the nearby St Theresa’s Children’s Home, said Leyds.

Thandi Gwala, a social worker at St Theresa’s Children’s Home, explained the importance of the relationship between the home and the brigade.

“A lot of our children are assigned to us by a court of law, for a number of reasons and some do not come from a good family environment and the boys brigade do provide a bit of stability for them. A place they can go to, have friends but also be taught important valuable life lessons,” she said.

Sihle Mjoli, (17), has been with the brigade for over four years. Over the years he has developed a keen sense for music instrumentals.

“I play the trombone but I have also taught myself drums and I am learning to play the keyboard,” he said.

“The most important lesson I have got here is to be respectful, disciplined and carry yourself with dignity.”

Glynnine Richards, whose great uncle was a brigade, has kept the family tradition going with her son, Braedon.

“I saw the good it (brigade) did in our community and when (Braedon) was at the right age I let him make that decision for himself whether to join and thankfully he did,” she said.

The brigade has temporarily halted any parades due to government bans on gatherings and restrictions on movement in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

As soon as the ban is lifted, said Leyds, be ready to see the brigade near your neighbourhood.

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