The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Motsepe Foundation, this week, proudly hosted the 2025 ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) National Championship at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg, from 1 to 4 July 2025. Now in its second decade under the sponsorship of the Motsepe Foundation, the ABC Motsepe SASCE has become one of Africa’s largest and most prestigious school music competitions. This flagship event brings together learners from all nine provinces, representing schools that have excelled at district and provincial levels.

“This is home, and I am truly thrilled to be here,” said Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation, as she delivered an address during the opening ceremony. She expressed the Foundation’s commitment towards supporting learners in reaching their full potential, highlighting how the arts build confidence and opens opportunities for young people across South Africa. More than a music competition, the Eisteddfod has become a vibrant platform that nurtures discipline, national pride and artistic excellence. Through diverse categories, including Western Classical Music, African Indigenous Music, Opera Solos, Small Ensembles and Mixed Choirs, the programme showcases the country’s rich musical heritage.

Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, underscored the profound value of music in the school curriculum, emphasising that music plays a crucial role in enhancing academic performance, nurturing social skills, and inspiring creativity, essential components of holistic development. She said that music elevates the learning experience and helps build a shared sense of identity amongst South African learners, whilst also promoting social cohesion and reconciliation. The Deputy Minister noted that this year’s Eisteddfod marks an historic milestone through the introduction of new categories to deepen inclusivity, specifically the separation of the Severe Intellectual Disability and Moderate to Mild Intellectual Disability categories, which she described as a significant step towards ensuring fair representation and meaningful participation for learners with special educational needs. She expressed her pride in being part of this moment and commended the dedicated work of music specialists who developed guidelines to implement these changes across all provinces.

Amongst the other landmark innovations is the premiere of the Champ of Champs category, a prestigious section recognising choirs that have demonstrated consistent excellence by achieving aggregate scores of 80% and above in the Secondary A category at previous championships. Creating a separate platform for these top-performing choirs opens space for more schools to participate in the Secondary A category and broadens opportunities for learners to excel. The Department has named Chayaza Secondary School from Mpumalanga; Empangeni High School and Zama Secondary School from KwaZulu-Natal; Fezeka Secondary School from the Western Cape; and Matlosana Secondary School from the North West as the inaugural members of this elite category, setting a new benchmark for choral excellence.

Deputy Minister Mhaule said that, “these choirs proved that they deserve to be part of the 2025 Champ of Champs Category, through their performances in the past few years. I therefore declare that 2025 ABC Motsepe SASCE is the Year of the Champs. The 2025 edition is a celebration of musical brilliance and cultural expression. As learners take to the stage, they do so with the support of a nation that recognises the power of the arts to inspire young people and contribute to their growth. Events like the ABC Motsepe SASCE also highlight the importance of partnerships in education. Beyond its commitment to music, the Motsepe Foundation works with the DBE to support school football and netball competitions that provide winning schools with resources to develop infrastructure such as additional classrooms and improved sporting facilities”. Dr Mhaule extended her appreciation to the National Coordinating Committee, comprising of national and provincial officials, representatives from the teacher unions, School Management Teams, teachers, conductors, parents and learners whose hard work and commitment bring SASCE to life each year: “Your efforts ensure that every performance is not only a showcase of talent, but also a celebration of unity, excellence and the enduring spirit of South African education. The 2025 ABC Motsepe SASCE, a highlight of this year’s school calendar, remains a testament to the power of music to inspire, transform, and unite”.