The South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod was introduced in terms of the protocol for the organisation, management, coordination and monitoring of school music competitions and/or festivals for schools in South Africa published by the Minister of Education in Government Notice No. 21697 of 27 October 2000 and amended on 08 February 2010.
Now in its 24th year, the Eisteddfod remains one of the most crucial school enrichment programmes coordinated by the Department of Basic Education to promote unity in diversity, national reconciliation, positive values, a new South African national identity, social transformation and social cohesion among school-going South African youth.