National glory for Mpumalanga choirs

Mpumalanga schools delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 National ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod, bringing home national titles, podium finishes and widespread recognition of their musical excellence.The championships took place at Moreleta Church in Pretoria from June 30 to July 3, and brought together South Africa’s top school choirs that qualified through the provincial competitions.

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Among Mpumalanga’s national winners were Shongwe Boarding School in the Mixed Double Quartet Category, Grootboom Primary School in the Sextet Category and Njanii Primary School in the African Mixed Choir Category.DM Motsoaosele Secondary School finished second in the African Mixed Choir Category, while Sibuyile Primary School secured third place in the Western Piece Category.
Philip Ndamane Secondary School finished as second runner-up in the Baritone Solo Category with a breathtaking rendition of Mozart’s “Notte e giorno faticar”.

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Blessing Mabuza from James Khoza High School was crowned the third-best performer in the Tenor Solo Category with his interpretation of Felix Mendelssohn’s “Recitativo”.
Other Mpumalanga schools that participated in the national competition included Elephant Secondary School and Basizeni Primary School, both of which delivered commendable performances, showcasing the depth of musical talent in the province and earning praise from audiences and adjudicators.

The Mpumalanga Department of Education congratulated all participating schools, learners, choir directors, educators and parents for their dedication and commitment. The department said the achievements reflected the schools’ hard work and reaffirmed Mpumalanga’s position as a powerhouse in school choral music.
The MEC for education, Lindi Masina, congratulated the schools on their achievements and encouraged the learners to keep believing in themselves.

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“May these remarkable achievements inspire every learner to believe in the power of hard work, every educator to continue shaping excellence, and every school to pursue greatness with courage and conviction. Your victory is Mpumalanga’s song of pride, and your success has added another glorious note to the province’s enduring symphony of educational excellence,” she said.