It was a second national choral music competition victory in less than a week for the region. On 17 March 2012, the region won the National Employee Choir Competition in Potchefstroom. “We are being rewarded for the hard work we put in since the regional nominations last year and we have dedicated conductors,” said conductor, Ms Nokwanda Majeke, when asked how the region achieved its success.
In addition to the overall prize, the region's offenders walked away with awards in the Solo Mezzo Soprano, Solo Tenor, Solo Baritone, Male Voice, Female Voice, Indigenous and Mixed Choirs – Western Piece and African Piece categories. KZN were runners-up and the Western Cape clinched third place.
Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the event's guest speaker, applauded all the winners. Before the event started, the Minister led a short ceremony to mark Human Rights Day which was celebrated on 21 March 2012 by unveiling a plaque on the Human Rights Wall located at the back of the ICC where the Durban Central Prison used to be. A number of liberation struggle heroes and heroines were incarcerated in the prison and the unveiling was in their honour and memory.
As soon as the unveiling ceremony was done, the Minister and her entourage, which included Acting National Commissioner Ms Nontsikelelo Jolingana, headed to the ICC hall to listen to high quality choral music.
Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini and Inspecting Judge Vuka Tshabalala later joined the event. Choristers belted out a variety of choral music which kept the audience on their feet and programme directors constantly asking for quiet.
Shortly after the competition, the judges were given an opportunity to share their thoughts and according to Mr Sifiso Shezi, the adjudicators were impressed by the overall standard of the competition. “We have never seen so much commitment,” he said, adding that it was clear the choristers were singing from the heart.
There were, however, concerns when it came to certain aspects. Adjudicators noted that some choristers had flaws when it came to singing style – some were not singing from the diaphragm while others were shaking their necks and others performing without the right posture.
The theme of the event was “Rehabilitation in action through music”. Minister Mapisa-Nqakula advised the offenders to make use of the opportunity. “This goes into your file, when the time comes for your parole. This is a golden opportunity, don't mess it up,” the Minister said.
Acting National Commissioner Ms Jolingana acknowledged the South African Choral Music Association (SACMA) for the part it played in the competition, including providing adjudicators who were professional and impartial.
