5th annual artists in Schools Championship brings Mpumalanga schools together as government calls for corporate support
EMALAHLENI – The vibrant spirit of creativity and talent was on full display during a three-day event hosted by the Endumbeni Cultural and Creative Centre.
The 5th annual Artist in Schools Championship, held in partnership with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture under the theme “30 years of Democracy”, took place at the Civic Theatre in eMalahleni from 9 to 11 December 2024.
The championship brought together schools from across Mpumalanga to celebrate the power of artistic expression in various categories, including poetry, drama, visual arts, music, and dance. The event not only celebrated the arts but also boosted the local economy, with over 30 schools flocking to the coal town, booking accommodation at local B&Bs, and sourcing services from small businesses.
Parents, teachers, and the broader community turned out in numbers to support learners who showcased their remarkable talents, leaving audiences captivated and judges faced with tough decisions.
Jeremiah Mdaka Primary, Benjamin Primary, and Pine Ridge Combined schools emerged victorious in the drama, music, and dance categories, respectively.
Sphesihle Mbonani from Mafa Max Motloung Secondary and Owethu Mahlangu from Vusa Primary School were crowned overall winners in poetry and visual painting, respectively.
The event drew an impressive list of esteemed guests, including Professor Thuthukile Kabini, Dr Sophie Nosinki Mahlangu, Traditional leaders led the Nkangala house of traditional leaders, eMalahleni Speaker Mduduzi “Mswati” Nkosi, and celebrated artist Pondo Mahlangu. They praised the learners’ creativity and emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent. The Mpumalanga Department of Education, a major stakeholder in the programme, also supported the event, alongside the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the funder and initiator of the Artists in Schools project.
“Events like these are crucial in fostering a love for the arts among our youth and providing a platform for them to shine. Mpumalanga has immense talent, and I am proud to see it showcased so beautifully,” said Professor Kabini.
Delivering a message of support, eMalahleni Speaker Mduduzi Nkosi encouraged the learners to believe in themselves as future stars and praised the province’s wealth of talent. However, he also condemned the lack of support from large corporates and mines. “I am not happy that there are no local industry billboards here rallying behind this initiative unless they supported you. The government passes the laws, and theirs is to fund such programmes,” he said.
The event celebrated individual achievements while fostering collaboration and cultural exchange among schools. About 30 awards were handed out to top performers.
Busisiwe Mahlangu-Mabhuma, an educator at Jeremiah Mdaka Primary School the most awarded school on the day, stressed the importance of exposing children to creative arts. “As we all know, not all children are book smart. Some are naturally born creatives who need a platform to express their talents. I am very grateful to Endumbeni and proud of my learners who excelled. These awards are proof of that,” she said.
Endumbeni Chief Executive Officer, Sipho Mahamba, thanked everyone who supported the event and contributed to its success. He also shared plans for the coming year. “As we celebrate the success of this year’s festival, we are excited to announce that Endumbeni Cultural & Creative Arts Centre will celebrate its 15th anniversary on 10 October 2025. We look forward to continuing our work in promoting arts education and providing opportunities for learners to showcase their creative talents.”
As the curtains closed on this year’s event, excitement is already building for the next instalment, with many schools eager to return and showcase their artistic talents once more.
