THOHOYANDOU – The Polokwane Choral Society and Malamulele EPC Choir impressed the judges during the Old Mutual/Telkom National Choir Festival that was held at the Thohoyandou Town Hall on Sunday. Polokwane Choral Society was the overall winner in the large choir category while Malamulele EPC dominated in the standard choir category.

The choir of the University of the North, Unin Choral Society, obtained the second position in the standard category. The Tshakhuma-based Virtuosso Singers finished in the third spot in the same section. The three choirs respectively received R5 000, R4 000 and R3 000. They were also given a floating trophy each.

In the large choir category, Giyani Adult Choir obtained the second position, with the Vhembe SAPS Choir third. The winners of the large section went home with cash prizes of R6 000, R5 000 and R4 000 respectively. They were also given a floating trophy each in honour of their achievements.

All choirs that took part in the competition were each given a participation fee of R1 000. Ten choirs battled it out in the standard category, while five participated in the large category.

All choirs contested in the western and African rendition. The ten choirs that took part in the standard choir section were Trinity Chorale, Waterval Community Choir, Lamino Voices, Makhoma & CPF Choir, Mukondeni Sweet Melodies, Virtuosso Singers, Jubilante Choral Society, Unin Choral Society, Malamulele EPC Choir and a choir from Zimbabwe, Chitungwiza Harmony Singers.

Polokwane Choral Society, Giyani Adult Choir, Matlalane Choral Society, Univen Chorale and Vhembe SAPS Choir participated in the large choir section.

The MEC for Sports Arts and Culture in the province, Mr Joe Maswanganyi, was among the guests who attended the festival.