Unisa Choir’s remarkable rise earns third place at choral competition

The Unisa Choir has secured third place at the Buang Moloto Choral Showcase, held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre on 31 October 2026, marking a significant achievement for the university’s 60-member ensemble.

Led by Itumeleng Molefe, the choir comprises Unisa staff members and students from Mahikeng, Rustenburg and Pretoria, bringing together singers from different parts of the university community through a shared passion for choral music. The result reflects the choir’s steady progress over the past three years. After finishing 12th in 2024, it improved to sixth place in 2025 before claiming third place this year. The improvement points to the commitment and consistent work of its members as they continue to strengthen their performance.

The choir also provides an opportunity for staff and students to develop their musical abilities, express themselves through music and build connections across the university community. Regular rehearsals and participation in choral events allow members to develop their skills while working towards a common goal. Many choir members are enrolled in Music Theory courses through Unisa’s Music Department, where they develop their music literacy and deepen their understanding of musical concepts and performance. The choir hopes to encourage more members who are not yet enrolled to pursue these studies, further strengthening their musical knowledge and abilities.

The annual Buang Moloto Choral Showcase celebrates African choral music and provides a platform for choirs to showcase their talents and share their musical traditions. It also creates opportunities for performers from different regions to come together through music. Former Regional Student Representative Council Deputy Chairperson, Saviour Sibaya, praised the choir’s progress and said its ambition was to compete among the country’s leading ensembles.

“Our goal is to achieve first place and compete among the country’s leading choirs,” said Sibaya. The achievement has been welcomed by the Midlands Region, which said the result reflected the dedication and talent of Unisa staff and students. The choir’s participation also allows the university to showcase the musical abilities of its community beyond the classroom and workplace. With third place secured in this year’s competition, the choir will be looking to build on its progress and challenge for the top position in future editions.

The Midlands Region congratulates Molefe, the choir members and everyone who contributed to the achievement.

* By Monica Nong, Acting Communications and Marketing Officer, Midlands Region.