School choirs and soloists from the Lowveld region’s education districts showcased their best performances at the 2026 Mpumalanga instalment of the ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod at the Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall. 
Schools from across the province took part in the competition from June 10 to 13 to earn a spot in the national editioon of the competition, taking place in Pretoria from June 30 to July 3.

The MEC for education, Lindi Masina, said the performances left audiences inspired and judges captivated.

“Their powerful voices, passion and artistry echoed throughout the venue, showcasing the extraordinary talent that exists within our schools. It was evident that every performer was determined to leave an unforgettable impression and they certainly did,” she said.

According to Masina, the eisteddfod is a celebration of hope, harmony and excellence, highlighting the role of music in nurturing confidence, creativity, discipline and social cohesion among learners.

“As South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, 30 years of the Constitution, and 30 years of the South African Schools Act, the eisteddfod stands as a powerful symbol of the progress made in empowering young people through education, arts and culture,” she said.

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Ehlanzeni and Bohlabela district winners:
• Elephant Secondary School won solo soprano
• Estralita Secondary School won secondary special schools any voice combination
• Shongwe Boarding School won secondary farm school double quartet
• Sibuyile Primary School won intermediate phase boys’ choir, intermediate phase
western choir, and African mixed choir for grades Three and Four
• Njanji Primary School won intermediate phase African choir
• James Khosa Secondary School won the male voices category
• Makhosana Secondary School won the secondary B western category
• Chayaza Secondary School won the champ of champs western category.