What began as the biggest national call-up for school spirit, with entries flooding in from across South Africa, has turned into the definitive benchmark of high school "gees" in Johannesburg, says the station.
From the moment entries opened on the 5FM App, squads, drumlines and war cry leaders aimed to delivered performances that were louder, sharper, hotter and more cinematic than ever before, adds the station.
After an overwhelming response and public support that flooded social media channels, the Top 10 across Girls', Boys' and Co-Ed categories were revealed on air earlier in April. From there, the competition heated up with the 5FM and Standard Bank judges' selection and the Top 5 announced live on air on Monday 13 April, the Top 4 on Tuesday, 14 April, the Top 3 on Wednesday, 15 April and the on-air reveal of the 2026 #5FMWarCryChamps champions on Thursday, 16 April.
Each winning school walks away with R20 000 in cash, courtesy of 5FM and Standard Bank, along with the bragging rights of being officially recognised as the loudest, proudest and most unstoppable gees machines in the country.
The 2026 #5FMWarCryChamps Top Three Girls Schools:
- Winner: St Stithians Girls' College.
- Second Place: Parktown High School for Girls .
- Third Place: Jeppe Girls.
The Top Three Boys Schools:
- Winner: Parktown Boys.
- Second Place: St Stithians Boys.
- Third Place: Christian Brothers' College Boksburg.
The Top Three Co-Ed Schools:
- Winner: Sacred Heart College.
- Second Place: Trinityhouse Little Falls.
- Third Place: Fourways High School.
"Every single year, the #5FMWarCryChamps get bigger, bolder and more explosive. South African schools don't just sing, they unleash a total vibe that shakes stands and sparks unity. We are incredibly proud to grow this platform with our partners at Standard Bank, and this year's entries proved once again that Mzansi's schools have the best gees in the world," says Masi Mdingane, 5FM and Good Hope FM's Business Manager.
"The passion, the formations, the production, the community hype. The schools really brought their A-game and we're already looking forward to next year. Congratulations to our 2026 champions," adds Mdingane.
From the first entry to the final announcement, the 2026 #5FMWarCryChamps have shown exactly why this competition has become a national spectacle. With eyes as far as Hollywood watching and thousands of learners, alumni and communities rallying behind their schools, this year's champs have aimed to set a new standard for what school spirit can look and sound like, concludes the station.
For more information, visit www.5fm.co.za. You can also follow 5FM on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor