By Karabo Ntanzi
October 2019
It was an exciting day for children, parents and teachers from Rethabile Pre-School. They hosted a Ballroom and Latin Dance Competition at Mayibuye Centre.
These were the results of six months tireless training and coaching sessions by Donald Rooibaaitjie. The 36years old Latin and Ballroom Teacher started dancing nineteen years ago at Perseverance Dance Club in Colville. He is passionate about dance and specialises in training pre-school children.
Fourteen couples took the floor. It was a challenging but exciting task for judges, Chairperson of Dance SA Northern Cape, William Nqakala and Treasure for Dance Sports SA, Malusi Malo to select the winners. n
Nqakala commented on the high level of maturity displayed by children in executing their moves. “They were confident, connected very well with the audience and there was a good teamwork between the couples,” he said. He indicated that at this age, they exclude factors such as posture and holding when judging.
Indeed dynamites come in small packages. This was confirmed by the overall winners Paballo Mobotho and Vuyelwas Moatlhodi as they scooped all three categories.
The proud parent, Aretha January was surprised that her son won. Although, she often teaches him a few dance moves at home. “I am also thrilled with the academic progress that Jamie is making at this school,” she said.
Rethabile Pre-School was established in in year 2000 by Evelyn Diphaha, who has been the principal since then until now. The center started at Peme Primary School, currently utilised by the Department of Education as offices. The pre-school is now at Mankurwane Primary School, where they share premised with St Joseph, another pre-school. The advantage of this arrangement is that they serve as a feeder for the school.
The principal stated that lack of parent involvement in their children’s education is a challenge. “I often invite them to pop-in, just to see how their children are behaving in class and on their teachings,” said the principal.
The pre-school takes care of ninety children ages ranging from three to five years, with five staff members, some not only as teachers but also cooking and cleaning.
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