Western Cape schools shine in national Choral Eisteddfod
3 August 2023
Western Cape school choirs participated in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE), the biggest schools’ choral music competitions under the auspices of the Department of Basic Education.
During the four-day event in Randburg, schools competed in various categories, including Western, African, Boys Choir, Own Choice and the Indigenous/Folklore category. The event concluded with the Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone & Quintet categories.
Gateway Primary School’s boys’ choir won first place for their rendition of Heal the World by Michael Jackson.
Paarl School’s choir participated in the event for the first time this year and their amazing performance won them second place in the Special Schools Category.
Kayamandi Primary School won second position in the African Category. They performed Shona Kona by Thobile Mthiyane.
Walacedene Primary won third position for their own composition in the Izitibile category.
On Day 3, Boitumelo Mosia and Anela Gwebityala of Makupula Secondary School won third position for their duet.
Harry Gwala Secondary School’s choir was rewarded with second position for their performance of Mozart’s Gloria.
Day 4 saw Makapula Secondary School continuing their winning streak when Iviwe Gwendxane placed third in the Mezzo Soprano Solo category. Fezeka High School’s Lilitha Nekweva secured third position in the Bass Solo category.
Makapula Secondary went on to win third place in the Quintet and Fezeka High School claimed the second position in the Secondary “A” Choir category.
Bloekombos Secondary School won first position in the Izitibili category.
In her closing remarks, Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, said by embracing choral music as a medium for expression and connection, we recognise the transformative power of music in uniting people from diverse backgrounds and forging a sense of belonging and togetherness. “Choral music transcends language barriers, cultural differences, and societal divisions, touching the hearts and souls of individuals across South Africa and beyond.”
