BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MANZINI – The Eswatini Choral Association of Choirs held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections yesterday (July 14, 2024) at the Eswatini Arts & Culture offices in Manzini, where a new committee was elected.
The AGM saw Eswatini Choral Association President Sihle Gumbi re-elected for the third consecutive time to head the association.
The new committee now stands as follows:
President: Sihle Gumbi
Vice President: Bheki Maziya
Secretary General: Maswazi Mkhatshwa
Treasurer: Zama Dlamini
PRO: Mlungisi Dlamini
Members: Sebenzile Mbingo and Mzwandile Mkhabela.
When reached for comment, Gumbi shared with this publication that they have introduced a staggering system, which means next year the Vice, Treasurer, and PRO will vacate their positions. He also revealed that only four positions were up for election which were; president, secretary, and two additional members.
According to Gumbi this is his last term, as their constitution states that one cannot be president more than three consecutive terms. When asked what Emaswati can expect from his third term as president, he said, “We have many things that are on the pipeline, like hosting the Choral Music Awards. I always wanted to make sure we hosted them before vacating my seat as president. I would also like to monetize choral music. I would like to divert choral into business with the assistance of the government. We also like to get more sponsors from companies as partners.”
He went on to add that he would like to see choirs utilise their prize money wisely and multiply it by being business-minded. He said, “II will also try by all means to see choral music grow more in terms of standard. We have grown, but I will like to see more growth and be the best in the SADC region, as well as get more sponsors even outside our shores.”
