The competition which took place on 16 August, at the Madibaz Indoor Centre, gathered student dancers from universities across South Africa, with Nelson Mandela University, Stellenbosch, and the University of Cape Town competing for the national title.
Participants from the three universities line up during the opening of the Ballroom and Latin American Dance Intervarsity even. Photographs Kagiso_MPhotography.
The event began with a performance of the national anthem by the Le Strada choir. The Madibaz cheerleaders later kept the energy high with their spirited performance, while the competition was guided by South African dance personality Harold van Buuren, known for his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa and So You Think You Can Dance South Africa.
Mandela Uni’s couples dominated across dance categories.
In the beginner sections, Ndumiso Mbuyazi and Thapelo Seloana won the Beginner Ballroom, while Mbuyazi and Dieketseng Masudubele took the Beginner Latin title.
In the intermediate level, Rorke Palmer and Zeytka Verster won Ballroom, while Malibongwe Kolokolo and Grace Njogu claimed the Latin title. Strong performances from Libhongo Noketshe and Jamie Peterseil further strengthened Mandela’s lead.
In the open sections, couples Garth Taai and Yentl Alcott, as well as Ethan Brown and Grettel Osorio, added to the University’s points tally.
Dancers representing the three universities showcase their unity and spirit at the Intervarsity competition
The championship was made possible through the support of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Department, whose sponsorship ensured the smooth running of the event.
The championship was won by Nelson Mandela University, securing the top spot with 191 points, well ahead of Stellenbosch’s 84 points and UCT with 62 points.
The 2026 championship is set to be hosted by the University of Cape Town.
The Le Strada Choir performing the national anthem during the opening of the Ballroom and Latin American Dance Intervarsity.