Teenage musicians Sinesipho Tokwe and Kwakhanya Gwadiso sang their hearts out on a national stage at the ABC Motsepe SASCE national championships in Johannesburg at the weekend, putting the Eastern Cape on the map.
Sinesipho, 17, from Ebenezer Majombozi High School, won the award for best soloist, while Kwakhanya, from Holy Cross High School, took home the prize for best tenor.
The province collected 14 awards in the annual choir competition.
In 2023, Sinesipho came second in the best soloist category.
She said she was thrilled with her achievement this year.
“It has been an honour to find myself among the soloists representing their provinces at the SASCE 2024 nationals.
“I was nervous at first while I was preparing for the competition, but when I got onto the stage, I don’t know what happened but I could feel the Holy Spirit enveloping me.
“I didn’t feel nervous any more — I was just enjoying myself.”
Sinesipho said her win had come as a surprise.
“I did not expect that at all, it’s definitely through God’s grace.
“No words can describe the gratitude in my heart right now. I am super-proud of myself .
“I am also grateful to everyone who supports me.
“My love of music has played a huge role in encouraging me to carry on singing, even when challenged, because singing is definitely not easy.”
Her school covered her flight expenses, her outfit and the medication she needed for her voice.
“I would like to thank my principal, Mr Pakade, for his consistent support, Miss Oliphant, who has been the organiser and made sure that my dress was done in time, Miss Filtane, who is my conductor and accompanied me to Johannesburg, my vocal coach, Siyasanga Yonela Mbuyazwe Ngozi, my parents, who have also been consistently behind me, Eastern Cape people and people from all over SA who are behind me,” she said.
Kwakhanya, 16, said performing on a national stage was nerve-racking yet exciting.
“You never know what to expect, with many other provinces having the same potential I had, but I was there to represent the Eastern Cape.”
He said he was driven by many things including the song being in isiXhosa, his home language.
“I am happy, shocked and surprised at the same time. I am amazed by the great things God continues to do. Kude Kwalapha uThixo esinceda.”
Kwakhanya said he could not have achieved the award without the support of family, friends and his school.
“Many people have supported my journey. My mom, Thandokazi Dosini, my dad Caswell Dosini, Nwabisa Nomfulana, my teacher Mr Gobingca, my grandmother, and lastly Ms Magqashela who introduced me to SASCE and coached me alongside Mr Gobingca in every aspect of music and drama,” he said.
Eastern Cape education MEC Fundile Gade said they had made the province proud.
“We are extremely proud of our pupils and all the people involved in this programme.
“Our pupils carried themselves and the province with great honour and dignity, proving to the country that the Eastern Cape is the home of legends.
“Our province is on a higher pedestal than ever before.
“The department is working around the clock to ensure that these successes of school enrichment programmes are recognised.
“An announcement will be made soon, I am making that promise and commitment.”
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