By BAKANG MOKOTO
7 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education has secured an impressive 3rd finish at the highly competitive 2026 ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) National Championship, bringing home nine trophies on 3 July 2026. North West has obtained an overall third position amongst the nine provinces in the country.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this accomplishment places the province among the country’s top three performing provinces in school choral music. Motsumi said outstanding performance is a testament to the dedication, hard work and commitment of learners, choir conductors and educators, whose relentless efforts to develop and refine young musical talent continue to produce exceptional results on the national stage.
“Sunrise View Primary School from Sunrise in Rustenburg, Bojanala District obtained a first position in Folklore Category – IsiSwati and Own Culture. Reabona Secondary School form Wolmaranstad in Dr Kenneth Kunda District scooped a first position in Folklore Category – Setswana and Own Culture.
“Nkang Mahlale Secondary School from Jouberton in Dr KennethKaunda District obtained the second position in the Secondary Mixed Choir (Wester). Temogo Special School from Mogwase in Bojanala District obtained a Second position in the Special Schools SID (Own Song Choice),” she said.
Motsumi further said Christiana School for the Blind and the Partially Sighted from Christiana in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained the Second position in the Special Schools (MID,PD Deaf and Blind) category. She added that Kamogelo Primary School from Migdol in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained a third position in the Sexted category.
“Matlosana Secondary School from Jouberton in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District obtained a third position Female Choir – Syncopated Clock category. Mmabatho Secondary School from Mmabatho in Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained a third position in the Male Choir – Seventy-Six Trombones category.
“Gaopalelwe Secondary School from Christiana in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained a third position in the Mezzo – Soprano category,” said Motsumi.
She expressed her appreciation for the sterling work demonstrated by learners, choir conductors and educators, whose dedication, hard work and commitment contributed to the province’s remarkable achievement. Motsumi said on behalf of the department, she extend her heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to all learners, educators, choir conductors, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), parents and departmental officials.
“I am truly proud of each one of you. You remained determined and gave your best until the very end. The 2026 Championships were highly competitive, with every province arriving well prepared.
“Despite the stiff competition, you rose to the occasion and represented the North West Province with distinction,” she said.
Motsumi said this achievement demonstrates that they are moving in the right direction in many areas. She said academically, the province continues to rank among the country’s top-performing provinces.
“Last year, the North West also emerged as one of the top provinces at the National Teaching Awards. These accomplishments affirm that our province is a formidable force to be reckoned with.
“As the province celebrate this momentous success, I encourage all our learners to enjoy the well-deserved winter school holidays. I wish everyone a safe journey back home and I look forward to welcoming you back when schools reopen”, highlighted Motsumi.
She said the outstanding achievements reflect the province’s continued commitment to nurturing musical excellence and promoting arts and culture in schools.
The Guardian 