Sibuyile Primary School Choir has placed third in the intermediate phase western category at the ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod National Championships in Pretoria.

The Mpumalanga Department of Education congratulated the school following its performance at the finals, held from June 30 to July 3.

Last month, the choir dominated the provincial championships in Middelburg, taking top honours across three divisions:
• First – Grade Three to Grade Four African mixed choir
• First – intermediate phase boys choir
• First – intermediate phase western choir.

At the forefront of this success stands dedicated teacher and choir co-founding conductor Nonhlanhla Mamba.

Since the choir was formed nine years ago, Sibuyile Primary School, based in Daantjie, has won the provincials every year. While a national first-place trophy has narrowly eluded them during their four trips to the finals, Mamba said she remains proud of the choir’s consistent top-three track record and is confident their time to hoist the ultimate trophy is just around the corner.

For Mamba, the accolades are secondary to the human impact. The choir, which accommodates learners from Grade R to Grade Seven across four categories, is a vehicle for transformation.

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“The benefits for the children centre around discipline. The kids are incredibly well-disciplined now compared to when they first started. It is a massive confidence booster and teaches them independence because of the exposure to new people and places. Even the feedback we get from the parents is overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “This is my passion. I love choral music and how it has benefited me in my own life. I want to pass on this passion to the kids.”

The department said the choir has brought honour to Mpumalanga and continues to inspire learners across the province to strive for excellence.