BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
KWALUSENI – His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir walked away with E70 000 in prize money after securing podium finishes in both the Western and African Piece categories at the 2026 Ntjilo Ntjilo Competition held at the University of Eswatini Sports Emporium on Sunday.
The choir produced two contrasting performances during the competition, finishing first in the Western Piece category and second in the African Piece category. Its Western Piece performance, “Che sento, ohimè!” by Gioachino Rossini, earned HMCS 97 per cent, placing the choir first and securing a E40 000 prize.
The choir followed that performance with “Tinkhabi Tiyaphephekelwa”, a locally composed piece by Mathokoza Sibiya, scoring 94 per cent to finish second in the African Piece category and collect a further E30 000.
The combined results placed the HMCS Choir among the major prize winners of the competition, with its performances showcasing both Western classical repertoire and locally rooted choral music.
The Western performance also stood out for its synchronised costume presentation, adding a visual element to the choir’s interpretation of Rossini’s work. In the African category, the choir turned to Sibiya’s composition, joining several other participating choirs that performed the same piece during the competition.
HMCS Choir conductor Melisizwe Zwane expressed pride in the results, crediting the choristers for their preparation and commitment. He also recognised pianist Asekho Zani, whose support of the choir has spanned 10 years.
Zwane further acknowledged the continued support from the Commissioner General, saying it had contributed to the choir’s development. The conductor said the choir will now turn its attention to the upcoming Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod in South Africa, where the ensemble is expected to represent the Service.
For HMCS, the Ntjilo Ntjilo results brought both recognition and financial reward, with the choir leaving the competition with two podium finishes and E70,000 in total prize money.
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