Kruinsig choir shines in Cape Town with second-place finish

Laerskool Kruinsig’s senior choir returned from Cape Town with national honours after placing second in the merit category at the Afrikaanse Taal- en Kultuurvereniging (ATKV) Applous competition.

The competition took place at Cape Town City Hall from July 27 to 31 and saw some of the country’s top primary school choirs compete for top honours.

In addition to finishing second overall in the merit category, the choir received first prize in the best African song category for its performance of Emo and LeBitso.

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Adjudicators praised the performance for its relevance, voice control and thematic quality.

Laerskool Kruinsig competed against Laerskool Menlo Park, Laerskool Constantia Park, Laerskool Lynnwood and Laerskool Kenridge.

Choir conductor Elana Neethling said months of preparation made the achievement especially rewarding.

“Preparation started in January and consisted of many hours of practice and refining the learners’ voices to achieve the best possible result. The learners and their parents were fully committed from day one, and Laerskool Kruinsig is now reaping the rewards of that hard work,” she said.

Neethling was supported by Magda de Vries on percussion and marimba, Marga Sander on piano and Wian Joubert on percussion and djembe.

The choir also received support from principal Thora du Plessis, head of arts and culture Amilia Viljoen, and educators Anchen Ehlers, Karin Lamprecht and Marlise Liebenberg.

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Neethling said the announcement of the results was an unforgettable moment.

“After hearing that Laerskool Kruinsig had finished second overall and won the African song category, the learners erupted with excitement and tears of joy. It was a moment of pure exhilaration.

“They gained much more than medals. They learned the value of teamwork, developed their talents and experienced what can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal.”

She added that the learners and staff would enjoy a well-deserved break before preparing for new opportunities in 2027.

Head girl Luné Slabbert described the trip as one of the highlights of her school career.

“I felt incredibly proud and excited. Hearing that we had also won first place for our African song made the experience even more special. It showed that all our hard work had paid off, and I felt honoured to be part of such an amazing choir.

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“The entire trip to Cape Town was unforgettable – from flying there and staying in a hotel to performing alongside my friends on a national stage. Meeting talented choirs from across the country and making new friends made the experience even more special.”

Slabbert said the competition taught her that success comes through commitment and teamwork.

“This experience taught me never to give up and always strive to do my best. Those are lessons that will help me not only in music, but also in school and in life,” she said.

Charmaine Venter, grandmother of choir member Scarlett du Preez, said the achievement was particularly meaningful as it marked Scarlett’s final year in the school choir.

“It is Scarlett’s last year in the Kruinsig choir and we were praying that her final season would end with wonderful memories. We were incredibly excited when we heard they had placed.

“Choir teaches children discipline, confidence and perseverance. The hours of practice are long, but the results make it worthwhile. We are grateful to the school, the teachers and especially our choir conductor, Elana, who makes it all possible,” she said.