Thursday, 30 June 2016, saw Senior Phase learners, including learners from special needs schools, showcase their musical talents during the 2016 ABC Motsepe Schools Eisteddfod at Rhema Ministries in Randburg.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Education MEC, Mr Mthandeni Dlungwana, attended the event to cheer the learners on and to enjoy the music on offer at the Eisteddfod.
The aim of the competition remains the strengthening of social cohesion and cultural diversity. It was therefore compulsory, during the competition, for all learners to sing both the African Union and the South African Anthem, as well as to recite the Preamble of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Learners also honoured the struggle heroes who fought for equality and human dignity during the Youth Uprising of 1976 through song.
One of the members of the audience, Ms Tholakele Mahunkou, from the Gauteng Province, said that, “It is always exciting to watch learners express their musical talents; they are very talented and should pursue musical careers in the near future.”
Ms Sabetha Mello, a teacher from Mabuela Ramorulana School in Limpopo, said that, “The standard of this competition has improved tremendously and everything is well organised. I commend the DBE, as well as the Motsepe Foundation for having collaborated in improving quality learning and teaching through the competition.”
Ms Mtotoba Ntombomzi, from the North West Province, pointed out that she was touched to see learners from diverse cultural groups interacting; "this shows that we are advancing as a nation. Choral music teaches learners to conduct themselves with respect. I have also noticed that the standard of the competition has improved significantly.”
Mr Freddy Mthombeni, a teacher from Madiba High School in Mpumalanga Province, said that the DBE and their partners are on track. “Nurturing young talents is critical because the reality is that not all learners will succeed academically; therefore supporting learners to pursue music careers through this competition is essential.”
The prize money for those school choirs that achieve first, second and third place, will be used to improve school infrastructure based on the level of school intervention needed.