At the Borderline 2: The field band of Witbank

From March 16th through March 26th 2007, a delegation of Vlamo (Belgium) travelled to South Africa. A series written by Geert Vanmaeckelberghe. Translation: Hans Kloppert. In this episode: the fieldband of Witbank.

Monday March 19 at about 1.30 PM we left for Witbank. The sky darkened this afternoon, a thunderstorm could disturb the rehearsal. The landscape changes from mountains to large open plains with beautiful panoramas. Alongside the road are 'mielliesvelden' (corn fields), dry and withered. We drive by villages with beautiful names: Elandshoek, Eerstelings Fontein, Stoffberg, Middelburg, Lammerskop and Wonderhoek. The roads are well-paved.


The country was filled with roads during the Apartheid era. Nowadays South Africa can profit from that in its building towards a new and better future! Once again the landscape changes, but this time the mountains are piles of coal. The mining industry is still a very important activity in this country.

Today we're visiting the Field band of Witbank. First however we meet with Vusi Dlamini. Being the Regional Coordinator he leads the band. He has also had this position with the Fieldband of Emalahleni. Vusi was born in Witbank 1976. He knows the region very well and used to get piano lessons in the local church. After secondary school he took a course in sound technique, he gave piano lessons and worked as a sound technician.


He used to be employed by one of the main sponsors of the FBF, which got him in touch with Retha Cilliers. At that moment he was unemployed. A new Fieldband in Witbank was formed. "I was appointed Regional Coordinator. The FBF has given my life a total turn around. The FBF has given me new chances for a human worthy existence. Within three years I bought a car."

"I told the children this was not my project but theirs!" Vusi continues. "We always start with 15 minutes of lessons in life values after which we learn the music and dance. "We recruit members in schools by giving presentations. Everyone is welcome and invited to join. We estimate a response of about 10%."

"In Witbank the musicians are instructed by two field band musicians who now play with the Policeband! They teach voluntarily and are a good example for the children. Working on a better future starts with yourself, you need  to take control yourself." Return of investment, the circle is round. The happiness and pride which can  be seen on Retha's face is indescribable...


"Loyalty cannot be taught according to Retha but should be earned. It's all about the right choice of the Regional Coordinator. If he or she is not successful the project won't be a success either. School principals will open the doors of their schools only when they fully trust the Regional Coordinator."

We're leaving the centre and drive by the 'dump'. The township of Witbank is a direct neighbour of the dump and the chemical factories in the area. The 'Kromdraai School', which is located in the middle of the township, is surrounded by a high fence. Rehearsal has started. Children are practicing on drums, they seem timid. The instruments are in good condition but not neatly (uniformly) hinged on the carriers.

The brass section is practicing intensely as well. I can hear repetitive melodies. They play from the heart, it is touching to see these young children at work. Two children following the rehearsal from the side, leaning against a wall. They arrived late this morning and are not allowed to take part in the rehearsal. Rules and time management are part of the standards and values the children are taught through music.

At the conclusion of the rehearsal the brass, field percussion and front percussion ensemble play together for their guests from the faraway Europe. The steeldrums and Arfican marimbas give the band a unique sound. It is striking to see how well everything blends together and typify this Field band. It is no surprise that the young dancers possess a strong feeling for the (African) rhythms.


After rehearsal the drumsticks and mouthpieces are collected from the members. If these are lost the band will have to buy new ones and the costs will be deducted from the band's bank account. Everyone assists loading the truck. And everyone wants to be in the picture as well. For the children in Witbank this means a lot of fun. "Holla zeven" they chant, while making a gesture with thumb and index finger. 'Holla zeven' means 'everything OK!'

I ask some of the children what they do and what they learn here. "Coming in time, team spirit and respect" are among their answers. None of the children talk about the music... the FBF programme here in Witbank clearly is a great success!

Geert Vanmaeckelberghe
Link: www.fieldband.org.za