Dance of Brave
Weekly Winners

The Dance of Brave challenge is here! South Africans from all walks of life are shaking their dancing boots to stand a chance to win a weekly cash prize to the tune of R5,000. 

Three video entries will be selected as overall winners: one by a nationwide public vote who will win R20,000 and two chosen by the panel of judges and The Ndlovu Youth Choir who will win R10,000 each - one for the best individual or family and one for the best school or organisation.

WEEK 10

The winner of the tenth weekly cash prize of R5000 is a trio of best friends, Zukhanye Peter, Bulumko Zinto, and Tina Ngaleka from Linkside High School located in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The group includes two matric students, Zukhanye and Tina, who are preparing for university and their grade 11 bestie Bulumko who had come together to switch things up with an original dance set to ‘We Will Rise’. While sharing a laugh over missing the tutorial for the dance, the trio decided to upload an original submission as is with the hope of impressing all comers. This added a flair and zest that allowed them to stand out among the other entries. 

The group plans to split the prize money equally between them. Tina and Zukhanye plan to use the money toward their university prep and Bulumko aims to save his money toward his preparation for university. 

WEEK 9

The winner of the ninth weekly cash prize of R5000 is the Exposure Youth Club located in Paarl, Western Cape. The club offers an after-school Arts programme to the kids in Paarl that aims to keep kids off the streets through sessions that engage them in dancing, drama, singing, poetry, and filmmaking. The club is committed to keeping young minds occupied with positive things.

The weekly prize money will go directly to the kids in the youth club’s care this Christmas to help them with back-to-school preparation. “I want to donate the prize money to the kids in the youth club because, personally, I know it would be much appreciated. Knowing school is around the corner of next year, school supplies or uniforms are expensive, so contributing it towards that would be great,” explains Elviza May, the founder and coach over at Exposure Youth Club.

WEEK 8

The winner of the eighth weekly cash prize of R5000 is dancer and choreographer, Shamieg George from Cape Town. George is a big believer in using dance to communicate with the world and to dance to any type of music. George has appeared on TV shows such as Expresso Show on S3 and several dance competitions.

The weekly prize money will be used to spoil George's family and most importantly his children as they motivate him to work harder. As a full time dancer he was drawn to the Be Brave Mzansi Challenge as it encouraged him to use his body to send a message of hope to all South Africans. "I would love to see the youth take part in this challenge because it's a platform to express your talents and also to inspire the next one out there so create dance and explore." adds George

WEEK 7

The winners of the seventh weekly cash prize of R5000 are the learners of Rustenburg Girls High School located in Rondebosch, Cape Town. The school offers a leading academic programme committed to the core values of integrity, acceptance, respect and gratitude. The school is committed to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment, offering a wide range of opportunities to enable quality teaching, learning and personal development. 

The COVID-19 pandemic sent many learners and staff alike into a place of 'unease' about not knowing what might happen next. The students became cautious, socially distanced and practised every protocol in the book - but with that, also lost a sense of connection and interaction. "The BBM dance challenge was a great way to become connected once again – we not only each other and the space we occupy, but rather that connection with our inner selves and being aware that we are indeed BRAVE, even through the unpredictable times. It was a fantastic way to reimagine dance during a pandemic. Overall, it reinforced this sense of ubuntu and knowing that we are not alone." says Ulpha Edries, Head of Communications and Fundraising

The weekly prize money will be used to give back to the school's ground staff as part of their annual Christmas package. The school hopes to win the grand prize of R20 000 to donate to Hannah’s Place of Safety - a home for abandoned babies and they are situated in Westridge Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town. "As South Africans, we have experienced a lot over the past year, with many of us feeling isolated and anxious, but this dance is a great way to reclaim your space and build unity because it teaches you to be brave, irrespective of the circumstances," adds Edries

WEEK 6

The winners of the sixth weekly cash prize of R5000 are the learners of Hilltops Pre-School located in Hilton, Pietermaritzburg Johannesburg. The school  offers a warm, farm-style environment where children can learn and grow. Where bare feet are encouraged and imaginations inspired. The staff are dedicated, passionate and committed to providing the children with a nurturing environment that gives them the space to develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually, teaching them to be independent and accommodating of others.

The learners used the Dance of Brave challenge as fun way to end off a bust year and raise some much needed funds for the school.”We have a regular “Friday Dance Day” when we play different music and the children dance, so they are used to having us dance with them and teach them to follow steps.  Teaching them the steps was relatively easy because they love to dance!” says Nadine Webb RR Teacher.

The prize money will be used to help the school purchase some lovely playground equipment to help further stimulate the children’s education. “We feel that we become so consumed with ticking the boxes and getting through schedules that we miss doing something out of the ordinary.  Sometimes thinking out of the box opens a whole lot of new opportunities.” adds Nadine Webb RR Teacher.

WEEK 5

The winners of the fifth weekly cash prize of R5000 are the students of Parktown High School for Girls located in Parkview, Johannesburg. The school offers a very special educational experience that encourages young women to be brave, resilient and to reach their potential. The school is set on quiet, attractive grounds and maintains a healthy balance of tradition, discipline and a progressive approach to contemporary education. After a troubling year for learners, many challenges were thrown their way and the girls embraced every one of those challenges. Deputy Principal, Gail Davidson shares the motivation behind taking part in the challenge, "Our girls have had to Be Brave and dig deep, both academically, emotionally and mentally. This dance challenge came at just the right time, before the final exams, and both our girls and staff had to ‘let loose’ a little; we had such fun during the filming of this dance and are so grateful to have had the opportunity."

The learners were told about the dance the days before filming and had the practice tutorial video was sent home to all the girls via WhatsApp. With very little time to practice in between studying for their exams, the girls seemed to embrace the idea of using their study breaks to practice the dance. "There was such an energy on the school grounds during the filming of this dance; it was a beautiful summers day in Joburg and a very special moment for our school as everyone came together."

The prize money will be used to help the school's Parent’s Association which has been raising funds towards redoing the stands at the soccer field as it is something that will benefit all the girls. "This is such a wonderful competition as dance and music do unite people. We, as South Africans, are strong and brave and challenges like this help you to work together as a team and to rise up and do the best you can. Nothing will stop us from being Brave. Our girls at Parktown are Brave every day. This dance is so wonderful to share with our families, loved ones and the surrounding community and will hopefully challenge more people to take part in the competition." adds Davidson

WEEK 4

The week four winners are the members of the Rebel Dance Academy, a dance group aimed at exposing children from the Cape Flats to healthy and positive hobbies amid severe gangsterism and drug use in the area. The troop of 30 dancers aged between 8-18 years old walk 30 minutes to practice in an open field to rehearse each week. Motivated by the lyrics of Ndlovu Youth Choir's, "We Will Rise" song, the dancers were inspired to create their take on the Dance of Brave Challenge.

The dance crew invited their parents to take part in the dance challenge to foster a sense of unity and showcase their talents. The parents have now adopted the dance of brave as a form of exercise too. Founder, Wesley Bosch shares the dance teams reaction to the win, "We are extremely happy and over the moon. This money will help cover some of the expenses such as transport and food. Most importantly this win shows the dancers that they can do anything and that hard work pays off."

The Rebel Dance Academy launched three years ago as a positive space for youth to avoid gangsterism and drug abuse. The academy was founded by 28 year old, Wesley Bosch who runs free dance classes for the kids of Bonteheuwel. The troop often raise funds to enter competitions as a way to keep the dancers motivated. The prize money will be used to provide dancers with food and for upcoming competitions. 

As the winners of the R5000 weekly prize, the dance crew encourages all South Africans to kick off their dancing shoes and stand a chance to win. "Do it and have fun. Listen to the words and message of song cause that's where the heart of dance lies."

WEEK 3

The week three winners are the learners of Bel Porto school, a “Fair Haven” for children from the ages of five to eighteen with severe intellectual disabilities located in Landsdown, Cape Town. The learners poured their energy and charisma into the Dance of Brave with the help of dedicated teachers - showcasing their moves as a source of inspiration to enjoy life and not let disability stand in the way of having fun. 

The Bel Porto school strives to provide quality education to learners with physical and severe intellectual disabilities and the prize money received from the Sponsors of Brave, Dance of Brave win will assist with daily running costs. Deputy principal, Hanri van Jaarsveld shared the school's excitement over their win. "Staff and parents continuously make every effort to raise much-needed funds for the school and every bit helps."

Learning the dance moves for the challenge caused a buzz and atmosphere of excitement on the school campus. "The learners could not wait to practice and perfect the dance moves." adds van Jaarsveld. Their practice, determination and enthusiasm paid off big, with the school winning the third weekly prize of R5000 as part of the fourth season of News24 and Adcock Ingram OTC's Sponsors of Brave campaign. 

“The Covid-19 pandemic put a huge strain on our ability to do fun activities with our learners. They love performing and we decided to enter the competition to raise awareness for our special school and have some much-needed fun with the learners. We are so proud of our learners" says van Jaarsveld. 

WEEK 2

The week two winners are two Gauteng learners Carli and Kelsey. These best friends rode their bikes to each other’s houses each day to practise their dance and recorded their final version while on holiday at Carli’s grandparents. Their practise, confidence and enthusiasm paid off big, with the girls winning the second weekly prize of R5000 as part of the fourth season of News24 and Adcock Ingram OTC's Sponsors of Brave campaign.

This dynamic duo are big fans of The Ndlovu Youth Choir and started following their rise to fame when they appeared on America's Got Talent. When they saw the Dance of Brave challenge they immediately wanted to enter.

“We were beside ourselves with excitement!  We were very surprised!” said Carli and Kelsey on hearing the news of their win. The girls encourage everyone to get involved with the competition, and had this to say to all South African’s “Try your absolute best in everything you attempt, and if you're feeling scared just remember to BE BRAVE!”

WEEK 1

A dynamic group of grade 11 learners from Riebeek College Girls' High School, tucked away in the Eastern Cape town of Uitenhage have earned their spot as the first round of weekly winners of R5000.

The principal, Mrs Kieran Stear shares her pride for the students who entered, "I am so pleased that we were selected as it fills us with optimism – we have so enjoyed watching the girls perform. That spirit is contagious and I think the Dance of the Brave initiative has lifted spirits and given us all renewed hope and positivity.”

The learners were told of their win the day at the valedictory service of the class of 2021. "We were uplifted by the news as we are glad that our girls have had an impact on others in encouraging bravery and we love sharing the spirit and joy that abounds at our school," adds Gerber. The funds will be used to upkeep the health and safety protocols needed to keep learners safe.

You too can join the movement and participate in The Dance of Brave for your chance to win up to R20,000!

Here are four ways to enter your Dance of Brave:

1) Simply Whatsapp your dance video to 0797419554. Add your details and contact number to the submission. This will automatically enter you into the competition

2) Email your dance video to editor@24.com. Ensure your contact details are included in the email. You will receive a confirmation email to confirm your entry.

3) Complete the entry form below and stand a chance to win.

4) Tag @BrandStudio24 and use the #BeBraveMzansi with your Dance of Brave video on Tik-Tok or Instagram and stand a chance to win.

Download the song and get your own entry in today!

Learn the Dance of Brave

Don't get left behind. Join in the fun as The Ndlovu Youth Choir kicks off the easy-to-follow dance challenge!

Get the whole family involved and shake off your dancing shoes. Enter the Dance of Brave by simply following the below tutorial. Get moving to the inspiring song and submit your entry to stand a chance to win awesome cash prizes.