Sun City, South Africa – The His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir has secured top honours for Eswatini after winning the Great Champions Category at the Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod finals held at Sun City in South Africa.
The competition, which took place recently, attracted leading choirs from across the SADC region, including ensembles from South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The HMCS Choir emerged first with a score of 93.39 percent, ahead of the Eastern Cape Police Choir on 90.29 percent and Kopano Chorus on 88.37 percent.
The winning performance featured selections from Rossini’s Petite Messe, including Gloria and Cum Sancto Spiritu. Adjudicators cited the choir’s vocal control, balance and discipline, qualities shaped by months of focused rehearsals.
Senior Superintendent Mandla Sibiya praised the choir members for their commitment and discipline, and acknowledged the support of Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, saying institutional backing played a key role in the achievement.
Conductor Maestro Melisizwe Sibusiso Zwane said the victory reflected resilience, unity and belief in a shared musical vision, adding that the performance demonstrated the ability of music to inspire beyond the stage.
In the final standings of the Great Champions Category, His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir placed first with an average mark of 93.39, Eastern Cape Police Choir followed in second place with 90.29, Kopano Chorus placed third with 88.37, Thabong Chorus finished fourth on 86.98, while Serumula Performing Arts Academy took fifth position with 85.09.
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