OLD Mutual Eswatini has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots choral music development with a E50 000 sponsorship to the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association.
The sponsorship was announced yesterday morning at the insurer’s offices in Mbabane. The sponsorship comes at a time when the association is currently running the 2026 choral music season, following the Primary Category finals held yesterday at Divine Healing Ministries.
The Elementary and Intermediate categories will take place at the UNESWA Sports Emporium on Saturday, while the prestigious Champs of Champs finals is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.
Old Mutual Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Muzi Bell said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to education and talent development at an early age.
“This is a special moment for us to talk about choral music support, especially at grassroots level. We are aware of the great work being done to learners, as it goes beyond classwork and is about talent that we are building from an early age,” said Bell.
He said even though it was late in the year as Old Mutual had closed their funding budget from the previous cycle, the insurer felt the opportunity should not pass them. He added that education was one of the areas they invest in, and nurturing talent was also part of that.
Bell added that the company had attended previous school competitions and was impressed by the standard of performances.
“I attended some of the events, such as the Schools Choral Music Competition held at UNESWA, and I must commend the level of precision from the pupils. It is one special activity where resilience, transition accuracy and discipline are clearly shown, and it is also peaceful. Everyone goes there and comes back with excitement,” he said.
He further confirmed plans to deepen investment in the sector.
“As Old Mutual, we want to partner with activities like this. We are a responsible corporate citizen in Eswatini, and we want to start planning now for 2027, especially with the Eswatini Schools Music Choral Association. We are happy to present sponsorship of E50 000 to start this relationship, and hope it will grow,” he said.
Bell also revealed future plans for a larger platform. “We are also planning a big competition, the Old Mutual Choral Festival,” he said.
Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association Chairperson Sithembiso Dlamini expressed gratitude for the support.
“We are so humbled by this gesture from Old Mutual. We receive this E50 000 sponsorship with great gratitude, and I can assure you it will go to good use,” said Dlamini.
He stated that they were grateful that even though they came late to ask for sponsorship, Old Mutual welcomed them with warm hands.
“Old Mutual has always been a great partner in choral music. They had always supported the Pigg’s Peak competition and SADC competition.”
Dlamini added that choral music played a key role in cultural preservation.
“Choral music is a huge tool for social cohesion in the country. When you go to competitions, you see people smiling and happy. It also helps promote SiSwati language, and most songs are locally composed,” he said.
He added that the association was also focusing on developing composers and improving performance standards, including the correct singing of the national anthem.
“It is important that patriotic Emaswati sing the national anthem correctly. We are also happy to partner with Eswatini Bank, as the bank does not only provide funding, but also financial literacy for learners,” he said.
Eswatini Bank, which was the title sponsor last year with an investment of E700 000, did not return as a sponsor this year.
