The Central University of Technology in partnership with the Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (DSACR) and the Lengau Choral Music Association (LECMA), hosted a Gala dinner on the 14th of October 2022 at the Bloemfontein Campus to celebrate the life of an African icon, Dr Pulumo Joshua Mohapeloa.

The Gala took place a day before the Provincial Choral Eisteddfod that was held at CUT on 15 and 16 October 2022 to promote choral music in the province while highlighting Dr Mohapeloa’s plethora of creativity and work through the performances of this year’s African pieces.

“We are gathered here today to honour a particular icon, legend, and maestro in our choral music. In recognising diversity as one of our core values, we as CUT saw the need to partner with LECMA as the leaders of choral music in our province because LECMA exists in terms of ensuring that choral music lives on. In our own context, we then took a decision that as we celebrate this historic icon in our musical arena, we, therefore, dedicate the competitions on behalf of his work and legacy,” said China Kokoana, acting Dean of Student Affairs.

Kokoana further expressed that partnering with DSACR & LECMA will help put the institution on the map and for the world to know that CUT is not only an institution of innovation but music too.

Tladi Ramakatsa, Chairperson of LECMA expressed that they are excited to collaborate with CUT in ensuring that the legacy of one of their own lives on forever. “I believe this is the beginning of great things,” said Ramakatsa.

Dr Mohapeloa’s songs have remained classic hits, still performed by schools, universities and even the choral fraternity. Some of his songs sung at the Provincial Choral Competitions are Mankanisi, Morija, Linoto and Thoko Ea Tlholo.

Caption

1. Mr Tladi Ramakatsa, Chairperson of the Lengau Choral Music Association (LECMA) addressing the guests.
2. The late Dr Pulumo Joshua Mohapeloa, an iconic composer of Sesotho Choral Music.
3. Mr China Kokoana, CUT acting Dean of Student Affairs and Dr Sally Dzingwa, CUT Institutional Registrar at the gala dinner held in celebration of African icon, Dr Pulumo Joshua Mohapeloa.