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EZEKIEL PHALANA
The voices of South Africa’s brightest young choristers echoed through Moreleta Kerk in Pretoria as the 2026 ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) National Championships concluded after four unforgettable days of exceptional musical performances, celebrating talent, discipline and the transformative power of arts education.
The 2026 edition of the prestigious national championships was particularly significant as it marked 10 years of the Motsepe Foundation’s partnership with the Department of Basic Education, a milestone that reflects a decade-long commitment to nurturing young talent and expanding opportunities for learners through music.
This year’s championships also welcomed Sanlam as the sponsor of the prestigious Champ of Champs category, an elite competition reserved for school choirs that have consistently demonstrated national excellence by achieving aggregate scores of 80% or higher in the Secondary A category at previous SASCE national championships.
Seven of South Africa’s finest school choirs competed for the coveted title, representing years of dedication, hard work and musical excellence. The finalists included Bizana Senior Secondary School from the Eastern Cape, Empangeni High School from KwaZulu-Natal, Bambanani High School from Pongola, together with other outstanding schools from the Western Cape, North West and Mpumalanga.
In a remarkable display of consistency and excellence, Empangeni High School successfully defended its title to become the 2026 Champ of Champs winners, cementing its place among the country’s most accomplished school choirs.
Sanlam’s support extended well beyond sponsorship. In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, the company committed R100 000 towards practical infrastructure for the winning school. The investment will be directed according to the school’s needs and may include a refurbished library, a music room, water storage facilities or educational resources such as books. Learners and conductors were also honoured with branded recognition items in celebration of their outstanding achievement.
Speaking at the championships, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Co-Founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation, said the foundation was proud to celebrate a decade of investing in young South Africans through the ABC Motsepe SASCE. She noted that many talented artists have begun their journeys on the SASCE stage and described music as a powerful expression of South Africa’s history, resilience, hope and creativity. She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting future generations of artists alongside valued partners such as Sanlam.
Bongani Madikiza, CEO of Sanlam Retail Mass, applauded the dedication shown by learners, conductors and school communities, saying every successful choir is built on sacrifice, commitment and countless hours of practice. He added that Sanlam’s investment in the Champ of Champs category reflects the same values of perseverance and resilience that are essential for building stronger futures and lasting financial wellbeing.
The championships brought together exceptional choirs from across South Africa, highlighting not only the country’s rich musical heritage but also the important role schools and communities play in developing young talent and inspiring future leaders.
As the curtains closed on another successful ABC Motsepe SASCE National Championships, the celebration of youth excellence continues through the 2026 Kay Motsepe Schools Championship, with the national netball tournament scheduled for August and the football championships set for October.
Through their enduring partnership with the Department of Basic Education, Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation continue to invest in South Africa’s youth by creating platforms that celebrate excellence, strengthen school communities and open doors to opportunities that extend far beyond the stage.