St Benedict’s College once again proved itself to be the home of piping excellence as it successfully hosted the 2026 South African Pipe Band Championships, welcoming thousands of spectators and 27 pipe bands from across Southern Africa for the country’s premier pipe band competition.
Hosted at the Bedfordview campus for the second consecutive year, the championships brought together more than 200 competitors in a celebration of musical excellence, precision and tradition. The event marked the culmination of the national competitive season and concluded with the spectacular Massed Band Display, where every participating band took to the field together in a stirring finale. The championships were also livestreamed on the College’s YouTube channel, allowing piping enthusiasts from around the world to share in the occasion.
The day proved especially memorable for the home side, with the St Benedict’s Pipe Band claiming the national title in the Juvenile Grade – the highest competitive grade for school bands. The victory capped off an outstanding season for the band and highlighted the College’s long-standing commitment to musical excellence. St John’s College, Harare, finished as runners-up, while Pretoria Boys High School secured third place.
Competition across the grades showcased the depth of pipe band talent in Southern Africa. Benoni High School won the Novice School Grade, St Andrew’s College, Makhanda, claimed the Open Grade 4 title, while The Pretoria Highlanders were crowned Grade 3 champions. In the premier Open Grade, Comhlan 1645 secured its first national championship, and Benoni High School’s Reabetswe Taele achieved an impressive double victory in the Junior and Open Drum Major competitions.
Beyond the competition arena, visitors enjoyed a vibrant festival atmosphere with Highland dancing, artisan stalls, food vendors and family entertainment throughout the day, making the championships an enjoyable experience for competitors and spectators alike.
St Benedict’s College extends its sincere thanks to the South African Pipe Band Association, judges, officials, volunteers, competitors and spectators whose dedication and enthusiasm made the championships such a resounding success. The College also gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors – Motus Bedfordview, Bennigans, Holy Rosary School, Assumption Convent School, Evolate Property, Marshall Music, Print DS, Swagelok (FerruleTech), the St Benedict’s Rowing Fundraising Team, Dr Nadia Green-Thompson and HelloPay – whose partnership helped make the event possible.
With another successful championship concluded, St Benedict’s is proud to have once again hosted one of South Africa’s premier celebrations of Scottish musical heritage, reinforcing the College’s reputation as a leading venue for pipe band excellence.