Dr. S.J Khosa Choral Music Eisteddfod 2025
About the Eisteddfod
The Dr. S.J. Khosa Choral Music Eisteddfod is an annual event held every July to commemorate the life and legacy of the late Dr. Shalati Joseph Khosa, a beloved musical icon. This prestigious celebration honors his contribution to South African choral music and brings together choirs from across the country to showcase his compositions.
Established in 2015, the Dr. S.J. Khosa Music Non Profit Company was founded by the esteemed former Divisional Commissioner Ngobeni M.W., who is also the founder of POLMUSCA. He was supported in this initiative by the late Dr. Kabe P.C. and Dr. Sambo J.Z.M. Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the eisteddfod has been successfully hosted five times—starting in 2018, again in 2019, and then resuming in 2023 after a brief pause.
Program Overview
The two-day event begins on Friday morning with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Merve Cemetery, where Dr. S.J. Khosa is laid to rest. Following the ceremony, the Khosa family joins a community outreach program, organised by the South African Police Service (SAPS), as part of the build-up to the main event.
On Friday evening, a Gala Dinner is held, where sponsors, partners, and distinguished guests gather in celebration and support of the eisteddfod.
Day 2 is dedicated to the choral music competition, which is open to all choirs across South Africa. Choirs compete in five categories, all performing original compositions by Dr. S.J. Khosa:
- Large Category
- Standard Category
- Church Category
- Youth Category
- Veterans Category
The 5th Dr. S.J. Khosa Choral Music Eisteddfod
Held: 11–12 July 2025
This milestone event was organised by the Dr. S.J. Khosa Music NPC, in partnership with the Collins Chabane Local Municipality and the Vhembe District Municipality. In 2025, it was officially adopted as one of the District Development Model (DDM) projects for the Vhembe District.
The Gala Dinner was hosted at the Premier Hotel, Thohoyandou, by the Vhembe District Municipality, and was attended by:
- Hon. Ms. Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, MEC for Education
- Hon. Cllr. Tsakani Freda Nkondo, Executive Mayor of Vhembe District Municipality
- Cllr. Faith Chauke, Acting Mayor of Collins Chabane Local Municipality
- The Dr. S.J. Khosa Music NPC Board of Directors (past and present)
- Sponsors, The Khosa Family, members of the Limpopo PEC of POLMUSCA, renowned artists, local chiefs and choral music maestros
and the CEO Retired Col. Mapaya M.W
Masters of Ceremonies
- Mr. Sydney Baloyi, veteran SABC presenter
- Mrs. Tintswalo Shai, National SAPS MC
The main competition was hosted at the Malamulele Community Hall by the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.
Partners
- Vhembe District Municipality
- Collins Chabane Local Municipality
Sponsors
- AVBOB (Main Sponsor since 2018)
- MLfm (Since 2018)
- Bold Moves Radio (Since 2019)
- Shila B Gardens (Since 2019)
- JMPhotrics (2025)
- Voningela Consulting and Projects (2025)
- Vhandalamo Financial Services (2025)
- Premier Hotel Thohoyandou (2025)
- Khoroni Hotel (2025)
- Alumbi Events (2025)
Videos
Eisteddfod - Day 1
Eisteddfod - Day 2
Eisteddfod - Church Position 1
Eisteddfod - Church Position 2
Eisteddfod - Church Position 3
Eisteddfod - Veterans Position 1
Eisteddfod - Veterans Position 2
Eisteddfod - Veterans Position 3