Education to host SA Schools Choral National Championships, 30 Jun - 2
Jul

29 June 2006

The Department of Education, will from 30 June until 2 July 2006, host the
sixth National Championships of the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod
(formerly known as the Tirisano) at the Coca Cola Dome, Randburg in
Johannesburg.

This year’s event will be held under the theme Age of Hope through Struggle
to Freedom. It’s also aimed at commemorating or celebrating significant events
identified by the Government this year, which are:

* The 10th anniversary of the adoption of our first democratic Constitution
of the Republic of South Africa on 08 May 1996;
* The 30th anniversary of the Soweto uprisings of 16 June 1976;
* The 50th anniversary of the Women’s March against the draconian apartheid
passes laws on 09 August 1956;
* The 50th anniversary of the Treason Trial (not the Rivonia Trial);
* The 100th anniversary of Satyagraha – the 1906 Passive Resistance Campaign
led by Mahatma Gandhi;
* The 100th anniversary of the Anti-Poll Tax Uprising (Bhambata
Rebellion);
* The 20th anniversary of the death of the Mozambican President Samora Machel
on South African soil; and
* The 60th anniversary of the great mine workers strike of 1946.

Learners from all provinces will be participating in various categories,
which include the following: Soprano Soli; Mezzo Sop Soli; Tenor Soli; Baritone
Soli; Duets; Small Ensembles; Female Voices; Male Voices; Mixed Choirs
(African); Mixed Choirs (Western); Mixed Choirs (Afrikaans); Mixed Choirs
(HIV/AIDS); and Open Own Choice. Provincial mass choirs will also render the
National Anthem and the Indigenous folklore.

The Department of Education and the First National Bank (FNB) will also open
a Trust Fund to continue supporting the twelve students currently studying
music at the University of Cape Town, the University of North West and the
Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria.

The Minister of Education, Mrs Naledi Pandor, provincial MECs, senior
departmental manager and FNB representatives are expected to attend the
event.

Media is invited.

Enquiries:
Tommy Makhode
Tel :(012) 312 5538
Cell: 082 556 0446
E-mail: makhode.t@doe.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Education
29 June 2006