Page 5 - The EDGE August 2024

DUT Ballroom Stars to Represent SA in Germany
Resilience and excellence are what DUT Ballroom stars, Kekeletso Makhetha and her partner Simphiwe Cele live by. The reigning South African champions will represent South Africa at the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) in Germany on 12 October 2024.
Their remarkable record includes first place in every competition they have entered since 2019 and being crowned South African champs in 2019 and 2023.They were set to represent their country in Germany in 2020, but their dream was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Makhetha (23), who hails from Orange Farm in Johannesburg, is a third-year Fashion Design student who started Ballroom at the age of nine. She shared her excitement: “We are incredibly happy to earn this opportunity again and have worked extremely hard to get where we are.After we missed our chance in 2020, we thought our dream was over, but here we are again. I am so grateful to our coach, my supportive parents, my dance partner and everyone for their support.’’Her partner, Cele (29) whose home is in KwaMakhutha, Durban added that this opportunity will inspire them to dream bigger and give back to their communities.
“We would like to open a dance studio to coach youth interested in Ballroom.This a lovely sport because it teaches a lot about life,’’ he said.
However, the duo’s dream of flying the SA flag high in Germany is threatened by a lack of sponsors to fund their trip.
“We are still looking for sponsors. Since the beginning of the year, we have been interviewed on radio, in all KZN newspapers, and through social media, but have had no luck.We also tried different municipalities and are waiting for responses.We also asking for donations,’’ said Cele.
Having won the League 1 championship which was hosted in Durban in March, and League 2 in Johannesburg in May, they are currently preparing for League 3 which will be held in Cape Town, in August. Should they win, they will again be eligible to represent South Africa overseas in 2025. Makhetha and Cele will compete in the South African Championships in Limpopo before flying to Germany.
P“ictured: Simphiwe Cele and Kekeletso Makhetha Vukani Langa
We are still looking for sponsors. Since the beginning of the year, we have been interviewed on radio, in all KZN newspapers, and
through soc”
ial media, but have had no luck. We also tried different municipalities and are waiting for responses. We also asking for donations. Simphiwe Cele
RISING STARS 5