Lesedi Primary Choir Secures Spot in the ATKV Applous National Finals

Photo Credit: ATKV via YouTube (video screenshots)

Made up of non-Afrikaans-speaking learners, the Lesedi Primary School Choir has beautifully mastered the language and is singing its way into the national finals of the ATKV-Applous School Choir Competition for the second year in a row!

Soshanguve, South Africa (12 July 2026) – From the vibrant township of Soshanguve, a musical talent has emerged that is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with! For the second year in a row, the Lesedi Primary School Choir has qualified for the prestigious ATKV-Applous School Choir Competition National Finals.

Last year, Lesedi Primary burst onto the national stage, competing at the UNISA ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria alongside top-tier schools like Laerskool van Riebeeckpark and Newcastle Senior Primary. This year, they successfully defended their regional dominance to book their spot in the finals once again.

The achievement has brought immense pride to their school and the broader community.

What makes this feat particularly special is that while the choir consists entirely of non-Afrikaans-speaking learners, three of the four pieces in their performance programme are in Afrikaans, including the traditional folk song Nuwejaar Setees.

The choir’s conductor, Zoliswa Zikalala, compared their success in the competition to winning the jackpot. Speaking on the Mid-Oggend met Sarina show on Groot FM, she explained that the journey began with the learners mastering Afrikaans music as non-native speakers, which ultimately led to them winning a gold certificate, something she describes as a true achievement.

“The learners and parents feel proud and confident, knowing that their hard work has produced such great results. For us, the ATKV is not just a competition; it is a bridge for cultural bonding and mutual respect as South Africans. If we can research how to sing and pronounce Afrikaans songs, then Afrikaans speakers can also embrace African music in the same way,” Zoliswa shared, emphasising music as a universal language.

The Lesedi Primary School Choir now has its sights firmly set on Cape Town for the National Finals, which will take place from 29 July to 1 August 2026 at the iconic Cape Town City Hall.

Unfortunately, the school and parents do not have the means to get the children there. Together, with the help of supporters, they are rallying hard to see their journey through to the end.

The group of 80 choir members and eight adults currently need support in the form of accommodation, meal sponsorship, transport, as well as opportunities for the children to experience the sea and the unique beauty of Cape Town.

The Choir’s representative, Dr Riekie van Aswegen, shared that Lesedi Primary believes in giving something back to the communities that support them.

“If there is interest, the choir would love to participate in a fundraising concert on Friday evening, 31 July, to benefit the congregation or organisation that supports them, alongside local choirs and artists. This offers an opportunity to bring people together through music while simultaneously giving something back to the host community.”

As a former lecturer at the University of Pretoria, conductor of various choirs, composer, and national choir adjudicator, Van Aswegen can personally attest to the dedication, discipline, and extraordinary spirit of these young singers.

“They have earned this opportunity through hard work,” he said.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help raise the funds needed for the remarkable choir to realise its dream and travel to Cape Town. For more information or to support in other ways, email [email protected]