The South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA)
The origins of Majorettes, commonly known in South Africa as “Drummies,” can be traced to the traditions of military drill and marching bands. While the exact origins of the sport are not definitively documented, some of the earliest recorded evidence appears in illustrations of female drum majors featured on cigar boxes in Europe and the Americas during the late nineteenth century.
The earliest known reference to “Marching Girls” in South Africa is found in the records of St Dominic’s School in Gauteng, dating back to 1923. During this period, and prior to the development of Majorettes as a competitive sport, marching troupes primarily consisted of female performers who participated in sporting events, fêtes, charity functions, and public street parades.
Formal Drum Majorette competitions were introduced in South Africa in 1974, predominantly within the former Transvaal Province, now known as Gauteng.
In 1978, the first organised Drum Majorette association in South Africa, the West Rand Drum Majorette Association, was established. As the sport continued to grow in popularity across regions and provinces, additional associations were formed, leading to the establishment of the South African National Drum Majorette Association (SANDMA) in 1983. The organisation later became known as the South African Drum Majorette Association (SADMA).
In 2011, the Association expanded its scope to include Cheerleading disciplines. This development resulted in the formation of the South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA), which today serves as the national governing body for Majorettes, Cheerleading, and Performance Cheer in South Africa.
A significant milestone in the sport’s development occurred in 1981 with the establishment of the first Adjudicators’ Board in the former Transvaal Province, providing a structured framework for the official judging and evaluation of competitions.
Today, SAMCA is the recognised national federation for Majorettes and Cheerleading in South Africa, affiliated with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). The Association is also an active member of several international governing bodies representing the various disciplines within the sport.
SAMCA holds full membership with the Majorette-Sport World Federation (MWF) and the International Cheer Union (ICU), enabling South African athletes and teams to compete regularly at international and world championship events. Over the years, numerous SAMCA athletes, coaches, and officials have proudly represented South Africa on the global stage, achieving significant success and promoting excellence in sport.
In 2012, SAMCA was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), reinforcing its commitment to the development and advancement of the sport throughout South Africa. In March 2026, the organisation transitioned to a Non-Profit Company (NPC), further strengthening its governance structure and ensuring continued sustainability and growth for future generations of athletes and participants.
SAMCA's Executive consists of the following board members:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Treasurer
- Trainers Representative
- Deputy Trainers Representative
- Chief Adjudicator
- Deputy Chief Adjudicator
- Chief Scorer
- Development Officer
- Competition Manager
Dear Athletes, Coaches, Officials, Parents, and Supporters,
On behalf of the South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA), I would like to extend my very best wishes to every athlete, coach, official, volunteer, parent, and supporter who forms part of our SAMCA family.
Majorette and cheerleading are built on dedication, discipline, teamwork, and passion. Across South Africa, athletes and coaches continually invest countless hours in training, preparation, and personal development, helping to grow and strengthen our sport at every level. Your commitment and perseverance are the driving force behind the success and continued progress of our association.
To our athletes, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Strive for excellence, compete with pride, and always demonstrate respect, integrity, and good sportsmanship. Remember that your journey is about more than results—it is about personal growth, teamwork, resilience, and the memories you create along the way.
To our coaches, officials, volunteers, and parents, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Your guidance, leadership, and commitment play an invaluable role in the development of our athletes and the future of majorette and cheerleading in South Africa.
As an association, we remain committed to providing opportunities for participation, development, and achievement at regional, provincial, national, and international levels. Together, we continue to build a positive and inclusive environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential.
On behalf of the SAMCA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, I wish every member of our community continued success, enjoyment, and fulfilment in all their endeavours. May your hard work be rewarded, your goals achieved, and your experiences within our sport remain both meaningful and memorable.
Yours sincerely,
Moses Ngobeni
SAMCA President
The Constitution of the South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) provides the framework for the governance, management, and administration of the Association. Its provisions are strictly adhered to in order to uphold the principles of good governance, accountability, transparency, and professionalism.
SAMCA remains committed to delivering a professional service to all athletes, coaches, officials, and stakeholders, while ensuring that every individual is treated with respect, fairness, and dignity. Each affiliated province is represented by a Provincial Chairperson who supports and promotes the objectives of SAMCA and ensures compliance with the Association’s Constitution, policies, and regulations.
In addition to its Majorette and Cheerleading disciplines, SAMCA has been responsible for the administration and governance of Marching Teams affiliated to the Association since 2021, providing opportunities for participation, development, and progression within a structured national framework.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the growth and evolution of the sport, SAMCA further expanded its disciplines with the introduction of the Performance Cheer Division in 2023. This addition broadened participation opportunities for athletes and teams, strengthened the Association’s offering, and aligned SAMCA with international developments within the cheerleading community.