Estralita Special School returns victorious from national eisteddfod
Each year, the eisteddfod draws in thousands of learners from across the country, mostly from rural areas, to compete and stand a chance to win prizes designed to improve their schools and the community at large.
Estralita Special School competed in the ABC Motsepe South African School Choral Eisteddfod from Tuesday June 28 to Friday July 1 at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg.
It came in the fifth position nationally out of the nine provinces. The school came first provincially in the secondary school category. They sang “Semomothela” (translated as ”a beautiful lady”) and a song called “Thaba Chweu”.
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“These learners are our shining stars. Music ignites the spark of their hidden talents, be it vocal, dance or percussion, and the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod has given our special learners the perfect opportunity to showcase their talent with pride and pleasure on the national stage. I am honoured to be the choir conductor and special appreciation goes to the Estralita school governing board (SGB), school management team, the entire staff and music committee,” said Thabita Nyalungu. She is the choir conductor, chairperson of the Thaba Chweu Subdistrict Committee, and chairperson of the Bohlabela District Coordination Committee.
The choir was accommodated in a hotel, a special experience for most of the learners, who are from underprivileged socio-economic backgrounds. Eight members of the music committee accompanied them, as well as Hanli Swanepoel (Estralita’s principal) and Elaine Thomas (a SGB member).
The Mpumalanga Department of Education was represented by 685 choristers. The event has been one of the department’s most significant cultural events on the annual school calendar. Learners competed under various categories that included solo soprano, mezzo-soprano, solo tenor, solo bass, duet, and small ensemble.
Pauline Mphahlaza from Mpumalanga, now retired, was honoured at the final prize-giving for her contribution to these choirs over the years.
The minister and the deputy minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga and Dr Reginah Mhaule, paid tribute to officials of the Department of Basic Education and provincial departments. The ABC Motsepe South African School Choral Eisteddfod was formerly known as the Tirisano South Africa School Choral Eisteddfod.
