All social media platforms were abuzz as Eastern Cape schools mesmerised the audience during the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) competition held at the Rhema Bible Church, Randburg in the Gauteng province.

Thirteen schools who won in different categories brought R180 thousand to the province from the platinum sponsor of the competition, the Motsepe Foundation. 

Three schools from the thirteen (13) brought home R60 thousand for obtaining position one in various categories of the competition, while four (4) schools who obtained position two also got R60 thousand and six (6) others got position three, and as such took home yet another R60 thousand.

The Eastern Cape department of Education MEC, Fundile Gade thanked the schools, choirs, SGB members, conductors and officials for their contribution in making the competition a success. 

Gade thanked parents for their continued supporting for these children (learners), as this extra mural activity, music helps take these children away from drugs, and stimulate positivity in their lives.

“All school enrichment programmes help to train the minds of the learners to develop cognitively, enhancing their performance in class.

Furthermore, parents’ support when learners participate in these programme help motivate them to perform better.  These learners are our pride, and their outstanding performance is shining example of commitment and dedication”, said Gade.

This competition is critical as a vehicle to foster social cohesion and promote unity and diversity amongst these competing learners at a very young age as participants’ age vary from the ages of eight (primary school learners) to 17 years (high school learners).

The four day SASCE competition themed, "Building South Africa Together: Leaving No One Behind," started from June 27^th – June 30^th, 2023. 

All logistics regarding the travelling, accommodation and catering ran smooth as all districts played their roles in ensuring safety and comfort for all participating learners. Overall the province performed very well this year, as such 13 trophies were brought home compared to last year’s. 

The competition also serves as a platform for cultural education which leads to tolerance amongst the learners.

For enquiries, please contact the Eastern Cape Department of Education’s Communications Directorate.  For more information, please contact the Departmental Spokesperson, Mali Mtima @062 057 1591.

PUMZILE LUDIDI - PHOTOGRAPHER