The multi-award winning Injongo Primary School choir in Khayelitsha were triumphant once again as they walked away with a trophy and a cash prize at the ABC Motsepe School Choral Eisteddfod in Johannesburg.
The school scooped third place and cash prize in the English category under the Western Piece section. Teacher and school conductor, Mandla Kala, said hard work and dedication had enabled them to compete in the competition and walk away victorious.
However, he said, as much as they were pleased about the trophy and cash prize they won, they had been aiming for first prize.
He added that the school had participated in the competition for the past seven years and it was not the first time that they had found themselves among the winners.
Last year and in 2015, he said, they secured a second spot in the Afrikaans category. In 2015 they had also won the national anthem category.
Mr Kala, who has also been named best conductor in the province, said the passion and love that the pupils who participate in the school choir were showing, was overwhelming.
There are 57 pupils in the choir who attend after-school and weekend sessions to hone their talent and vocal skills. Also key to their success, said Mr Kala, was the “unwavering support” of parents and the school governing body.
He pointed out that his role was merely providing guidance and introducing the pupils to music. With this year’s competition behind them, he added, they would immediately start preparing for next year as their aim is to take the top spot.
“The win is not for us but for the children.
“The glory belongs to the choir because they gave it their all. I want to see these children pursuing a career in music and becoming professional singers. It soothes my heart when I see the pupils who were part of the choir continue to sing in high school.
“The choir will jet off to Sweden in September and it won’t be their first time going overseas,” he said.
Mr Kala said he hoped to see the school recognised nationally for producing musicians.
SGB chairperson Philiswa Marman said the school was excited about and proud of the choir’s achievement.
Ms Marman said the pupils had definitely put Khayelitsha on the map and had flown the school flag high.
She said she also hoped the pupils continued with music when they grew older and became role models in the community of Khayelitsha.
Principal,Sithembele Mhletywa said he had no words to express the school community’s joy and that the school had earned respect through the hard work of their pupils.