As the Easter weekend approaches, families looking for entertainment will find no shortage of excitement at the St Dunstan’s College 12th Annual Easter Sports Festival in 2026. Scheduled from April 2 to April 6, this event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent as 89 teams from 40 schools across Southern Africa gather in Benoni to engage in spirited competition and camaraderie.
This year’s festival sees remarkable growth, with 1,272 participants representing schools from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Western Cape, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Last year, the festival hosted 63 teams from 32 schools, illustrating a burgeoning interest in the burgeoning event. College Rector, Warwick Taylor, views the festival as an exciting launchpad for the winter sports season.
“We are incredibly excited that this year we will be piloting a sevens rugby tournament along with the traditional favourites such as 15-man rugby, netball, and hockey,” Taylor shared. Incorporating sevens rugby reflects an intent to enhance the festival’s offerings, contributing positively to the athletes’ sporting development, and preparing them for greater competitions ahead.
Throughout the festival, participants will compete passionately to climb the leaderboard, with their eyes set firmly on the ultimate prize—victory. Taylor emphasizes good sportsmanship as a core tenet of these events, stating, “While competition is fierce, we strive to create an environment where friendships can blossom.” He eagerly anticipates welcoming all athletes and looks forward to fostering both their enjoyment and personal growth.
Netball
The St Dunstan’s College netball team stands poised to clinch their second consecutive festival win following their triumph a year prior. Under the exceptional leadership of skipper Denley McCulloch, the team dominated the festival, finishing undefeated with 10 wins and a draw across 11 matches. Their impressive performance saw them netting 478 goals while only conceding 193, securing a remarkable 25 points.
Rugby
On the rugby front, the St Dunstan’s team is aiming for redemption after a challenging festival last year, where they faced losses in all three of their matches. Rivals such as Hellenic Academy and Helpmekaar showcased exceptional skills, finishing the competition undefeated. With renewed focus and determination, the rugby team hopes to turn their fortunes around this time.
Hockey
Meanwhile, the St Dunstan’s hockey team is seeking to avenge their previous year’s heartbreak. After an undefeated round-robin and knockout stage, they suffered a devastating loss in the final on penalties to CBC Zimbabwe. This year, they aim to channel their competitive spirit into reclaiming their place at the top.
Festival Essentials
The St Dunstan’s College Easter Sports Festival is spread across three days, specifically April 2, 4, and 6, and is expected to attract around 10,000 spectators. With exciting on-field action, there’s something for everyone. Attendees can find secure parking available at the Preparatory School fields on President Kruger Street.
Admission is R20 per person, with free entry for learners in school uniform and children under 13. Beyond the excitement of the games, the festival features a bustling entertainment zone filled with delicious food stalls, refreshing drinks, and a dedicated Kids Zone. It’s an all-encompassing experience designed for families of all ages.
The event operates on a cashless system, making transactions smoother, so attendees should prepare accordingly by increasing their daily limits. Visitors should also pack comfortable camp chairs to enjoy a relaxing day of sports, and remember that outside food, beverages, or alcohol won’t be permitted. To enjoy the festivities to the fullest, sensible footwear and sunscreen are essential.
