STANDARD BANK CHORAL SPONSORSHIP UP BY E15K

MBABANE – Standard Bank Eswatini has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the nation’s vibrant arts and culture scene by announcing a substantial E 345 000 sponsorship for the eagerly awaited Standard Bank Choral Music Competition.

This year’s contribution reflects a notable increase of E15 000 from 2024, underscoring the bank’s ongoing commitment to nurturing musical talent and providing a platform for artistic expression. This announcement was made during the launch of the competition held at Happy Valley Hotel on April 3, 2025.

The prestigious annual competition, a cornerstone of Eswatini’s cultural calendar, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Esibayeni Lodge.The Standard Bank Choral Music Competition aims to celebrate and promote choral music in Eswatini by providing choirs with an opportunity to demonstrate their talents while fostering a spirit of artistic excellence.

Revealed

The President of the Eswatini National Choral Music Sihle Gumbi, revealed the partnership with Standard Bank Eswatini began in 1992. He stated: “It is the longest-running sponsorship by an institution in the country, and we are very grateful for the continuous support the bank has shown us over the past 33 years,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive of Standard Bank Eswatini, Mvuselelo Fakudze, Phathizwe Dlamini announced the sponsorship amount and highlighted the bank’s longstanding dedication to fostering community development through the arts and culture. “As a testament to our dedication, we are pleased to announce an increased sponsorship of E 345 000 for 2025. This investment underscores our belief in the transformative power of choral music,” he said.

He added that the bank is looking forward to the performances from different choirs in this year’s competition. “We anticipate the grand performances on May 25, 2025, with great excitement. This will be more than a concert; it will be a celebration of our artistry, our resilience and our shared identity,” he noted.

Announced

During the launch, Imisebe Publishing, Liberty and Stanlib were announced as additional sponsors for this year’s competition. Imisebe Publishing pledged E50 000, a commitment detailed by Hlobsile Stromvig who is the Managing Director of Imisebe Publishing. This sponsorship introduces the Imisebe Publishing Choice Piece Award, where choirs will showcase their creativity in promoting ‘Umphanza’, a dictionary from Imisebe Publishing. Stromvig emphasised the importance of this dictionary for primary and secondary school pupils, aiding them in learning Siswati words.

The launch also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Africa Ntjilo Empowerment and the Eswatini Choral Music Competition, overseen by President Sihle Gumbi and Hee Jung Kim, Director of the Mbabane Chamber Orchestra, who will accompany the choirs during their performances.

Attracted

The Standard Bank Choral Music Competition has consistently attracted choirs from across the country, representing diverse communities and musical styles. This year’s event is expected to draw a large audience of music enthusiasts, families and community members, further solidifying its status as a key cultural event in Eswatini.

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