The talented learners participated in the provincial finals of the ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod.

Hosted at the Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall from June 10 to 13, the competition placed Middelburg at the centre of one of the province’s biggest school arts events and gave local communities a front-row seat to some of Mpumalanga’s brightest young performers.

Nkangala schools rose to the occasion, with several learners and choirs singing their way to top honours and earning their place at the national championships.

Witbank High School won the Mezzo Soprano category, Phillip Ndimande Secondary School claimed first place in the Baritone Solo category, Leonard Ntshuntshe Secondary School took top honours in the Female Voices category, while DM Motsaosele Secondary School impressed judges to win the Secondary B African category.

Throughout the week, the banquet hall echoed with African choral music, Western choir pieces, folklore performances and solo items as youngsters gave it their all on stage after months of hard work and dedication.

As the curtains closed on another successful provincial competition, several Mpumalanga winners are preparing to represent their areas, towns and districts on the stage at the national championships in Gauteng, later this month.

The event created an opportunity for hidden talent, found in special schools, farm schools, primary schools, and secondary schools across the province, to be discovered.

They proved without a doubt that music can open doors and make dreams come true, no matter your background.

For the community of Middelburg, the Eisteddfod was more than a competition.

It was a celebration of tremendous talent, culture and community spirit, with families, educators and supporters filling the venue to cheer on the next generation of performers.