The Eastern Cape Department of Education is hosted a three-day SASCE Music Programme in cluster A&B in OR Tambo district, Mthatha and Buffalo City District, King Williams Town.

The South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod is an established school’s choral music competition running from the circuits to the National Department of Basic Education.

It is a school enrichment programme of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) aimed at promoting unity in diversity, national reconciliation, positive values, a new South African national identity, social transformation, social cohesion and mass participation amongst school-going learners in South Africa.

In OR Tambo Inland Mthatha, Mandela Park primary school the music competition is underway as there are 42 choirs each day from 6 different districts which are Alfred Nzo East and West, Joe Gqabi, OR Tambo inland, OR Tambo Coastal and Chris Hani East are all participating beautifully and abiding to the rules and regulations of the choral music programme.

The competition winners are overjoyed to have been able to fight against so many different schools and win because competitions of this sort are extremely difficult because you must be in good shape, grasp the laws of choral music, and be in tune with the pianist at all times.

The Coordinating Committee will determine norms and standards for all the activities of the SASCE.

This will include logistical, operational, compositions, performances (both instrumental and vocal), programme directing and making sure that the safety of the learners is of outmost importance and also that the competition is fair and unbiased.

Lusikiski J.S.S won first place on the African Piece category obtaining 69.33% Mrs Zibi, the school principal stated,’ we are over the moon about taking position one on the African piece and it is indeed true that hard work, determination and discipline truly pays off.

Our learners are very happy about taking this position because it was our wish to bring home something from the competition.

Acting Chief Director of Cluster A Mr Mbandeni stated, ‘we held this event because we want to unearth the talent of learners, we want to develop them holistically and save them from the communities’ disturbances so that they don’t became active drug abuse victims that is prevalent in our schools.

The event was an overall success and we have noted our mistakes and promise that on the next music competition we will note them and I would also like to congratulate all the winners and thank the participants of all the choir that attended and gave it their best and promising that time management will be of most importance.

Ms Mkobeni, teacher from Jongihlanga JSS said, ‘it is a pleasure and an honour that we were able to acquire position three (3) with a percentage of 68,67 in the African Piece category as our learners were eager to perform and do their best in the competition.

We have made it this far and hope that in the next coming competitions we will definitely do better.

The overall programme was a success as all the choirs were happy with the adjudicators having integrity and honesty in their work and also advising choirs on the mistakes that they did during their performance.