Elderly choir from Province scoops seven trophies
A CHOIR from the Galeshewe Association for the Care of the Aged and Disabled (Gaasca) has proven to be amongst the best elderly choirs in the country after it scooped seven trophies in the recent Lengau Choral Music competition that was held in Bloemfontein.
Hosted this past weekend, the competition saw choirs made up of elderly members from the Northern Cape and Free State, participating in several categories.
The team of 50 members from Gaasca scooped first and third place for Quartet and firsts in Double Quartet, Female, Male and first and second positions for the mixed choir category.
As a cherry on top, Gaasca Choir conductor, Trinity Peme, also took top honours in the Best Conductor category.
The last time Gaasca choir won an award was in 2017 when they won the the best choir in the Golden Games in Durban.
Mangaliso Nkwe, 69, said yesterday that the choir had “swept the audience off their feet” on the day.
“We are on cloud nine. We have been trying to remain the best ever since we were personally complimented by the former Minister of Social Development, Susan Shabangu, in 2017.
“Practice, practice, practice and stick to the notes, that is our secret ingredient in ensuring that we win,” he added.
“I honestly did not take this competition thing seriously when I first joined in 2017.
“I just accompanied my friends who were training at the Mayibuye Centre but now I take it very seriously,” said Nkwe.
Another proud member Senwedi Paul, 69, who is wheelchair bound, continues to pride himself in being a member of the choir for the three years since he joined Gaasca.
He lost his one leg after it was amputated as a result of gangrene.
“It is the perfect extra mural activity for me. Coming to choir practice keeps me safe and occupied instead of being all alone at home while my family members are at work,” he pointed out.
Another member, Pinky Saila, 71, was active in the school choir when she was still teaching at Zingiza Number Two in Galeshewe.
According to her, she was also an assistant conductor in 2017.
The group expressed their commitment to ensuring that the choir remains a winner.