By: Dineo Phathi

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted the Annual South African Tertiary Institution Choral Association (SATICA) choral competition this year which usually takes place during the  June and July holidays.

SATICA  is a non-profit organisation which aims to promote unity through choral music furthermore  affirm  the need to strive for upliftment , social development , building  and uniting different  African cultures in choral music. The competition has been running for 20 years which initially started as a festival between NMMU ( Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) and  WSU( Walter Sisulu University).

“Its not the first time for Kwa-Zulu Natal to be hosting this competition but in 2009, the MUT ( Mangosuthu University of Technology) hosted this event and now it is DUT’s turn,” said President of SATICA, Velani Mabiza.

DUT’s  Pietermaritzburg side started the competition off on a good note with their own rendition of “Bengithi uzobuya”. The competition is open to all universities that have choirs in their respective campuses. Choirs from all over South Africa including the Vaal University of Technology, University of the Western Cape and  the University of Limpopo have come all the way from their respective  universities to compete in this coveted  competition. More than 20 choirs have taken part  this year.

Reigning  champions of 2012 which are Fort Hare University, Alice campus, were eager to defend their title as they said that they would be taking it back home again this year. “We are here as the defending champions of 2012. Last year we took the overall position and we have been working really hard to defend our championship,” said Litha Jali from  Alice campus.

WSU Buffalo City Campus Female Voices. Pictures by Dineo Phathi

Siyabonga Makeleni from Fort Hare University said, ”Judging from the choirs we have seen so far, this year  the competition seems to be really high. The choirs are well prepared and people should expect something from a high standard.”

Mr Mabiza, President of SATICA, said that he wishes to see other traditional universities, like the University of Cape  Town and the University of Stellenbosch, take part in this competition as it would be good for  all universities in South Africa to take part and enjoy  choral music.

The week long competition will close on Saturday the 6th of July.

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