For four unforgettable days, the halls of Moreleta Kerk in Pretoria, Gauteng, rang with the voices of the nation’s youth as the Department of Basic Education (DBE), in collaboration with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Motsepe Foundation, hosted the 2026 National ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) Championship from 30 June to 3 July. Now in its 26th year, the Eisteddfod once again united learners from the General Education and Training (GET) and Further Education and Training (FET) bands, representing all nine provinces, under the theme: “Growth, Inclusion and Renewal in Song”.
SASCE has grown over more than two decades into a living expression of unity in diversity, national reconciliation, and social cohesion. Opening the Championship, Director for Sport and Enrichment, Mr Given Mabena, reminded learners that simply reaching the national stage placed them amongst the very best. “You have made it to this point, and you are part of the winning pool of learners,” he told the packed hall, thanking parents, adjudicators and everyone who had made the week possible.
Delivering the keynote address ahead of the final results announcement, Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, spoke of the profound role programmes such as SASCE play in shaping the country’s youth beyond the classroom. “Education is about far more than what appears in a textbook or what is assessed in an examination,” she said, describing co-curricular activities as a curriculum that teaches teamwork, leadership, resilience, and character. She praised SASCE for building social cohesion in a country still healing from division and reminded learners that their achievement extended far beyond any trophy: “I encourage every South African learner to become involved in something beyond the classroom. Join a choir, play a sport, take part in an arts event, write poetry, learn an instrument or volunteer in your community. Discover what makes you come alive”.
Addressing the Championship on behalf of the National Teachers’ Union (NATU), Mr Mandla Mabuza, commended the dedication of learners, educators, adjudicators, and organisers, whilst acknowledging that many schools continue to face financial challenges relating to transport, attire, accommodation, and other logistics. He called on businesses and stakeholders to invest in arts and culture programmes at circuit, district, and provincial level, so every deserving learner may participate regardless of financial circumstances.
A fitting tribute was also paid to those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to preserve the legacy of SASCE. Members of the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) received certificates of appreciation approved by Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, recognising their contribution to strengthening the programme across circuit, district, provincial and national levels.
In a landmark announcement, a new legacy initiative was launched in partnership with the DBE and Sanlam, aimed at ensuring that the impact of SASCE extends beyond the stage and into the schools that produce its champions. Under this initiative, the winning school in the Champ of Champs category, introduced last year to recognise choirs achieving aggregate scores of 80% and above in the Secondary A category at previous Championships, will receive an additional R100,000 to be channelled into infrastructure development, a lasting investment designed to benefit generations of learners long after the Championship has ended.
As the curtain came down on four days of exceptional performances, the moment had arrived to announce the champions of 2026. Limpopo was named Best Province, for its exemplary administration, compliance, and outstanding programme coordination, whilst Best Conductor went to Mr Njabulo Ndlovu of Zama Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal. Best Soloist went to a learner from Harry Gwala High School in the Western Cape. The evening’s highlight was the Champ of Champs (Western and African) announcement, where Empangeni High School in KwaZulu-Natal claimed top honours with a remarkable score of 95.67%, securing its second consecutive title.
As the final notes faded and learners boarded buses home, the 2026 National ABC Motsepe SASCE Championship once again proved why it continues to do what it has always done best: turning classrooms into stages, learners into leaders, and diversity into harmony. Every learner who reached the national stage is already a winner, having shown perseverance, discipline, unity, and remarkable potential. Their voices echoed not only in song, but in the promise of a future shaped by excellence, respect, and shared purpose.