The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) celebrated a historic moment as the Welkom Campus Choir, under the dynamic leadership of Mr Thabang Gabriel Mangoejane, claimed victory at the Tiro Mampane National Choir Eisteddfod (NCE), marking the choir’s first-ever national win.

For Mr Mangoejane, who joined the Welkom Campus choir in May 2024, this triumph represents not only musical excellence but also resilience, teamwork, and visionary leadership. “This is the first time Welkom Campus has won a national competition,” he shared. “It’s a milestone we have been working towards, and proof that with the right guidance and commitment, anything is possible. This victory belongs to every chorister who gave their all.”

 A journey rooted in passion and perseverance

Born in Kroonstad, Mr Mangoejane’s journey in music began at the tender age of nine, inspired by his mother’s love for choral music. From accompanying her to rehearsals to joining church and community choirs, his passion took root early. “My love for choral music grew naturally,” he reflects. “I never stopped learning, from playing the organ to studying scores, I taught myself to understand music deeply.”

By 2009, he had co-founded a community choir with former schoolmates and quickly rose as a chorus master, taking the group from 13th place to 3rd in just one year. His talent led to numerous leadership roles and championships, including victories at the Old Mutual National Choir Festival and Lengau Choral Music Association (LECMA) competitions. Guided by mentors like Mr Sidwell Mhlongo, conductor of the Gauteng Choristers, Mr Mangoejane grew into one of the country’s most promising self-taught conductors.

The making of a champion choir

Conductor Mangoejane’s approach to leadership combines discipline, passion, and consistency. “There’s no single formula for success,” he explains. “We spend a lot of time not just singing, but building trust, teamwork, and a shared love for music. That’s what makes the difference.”

Reflecting on the choir’s journey, he adds: "I typically employ several strategies, including frequent camps and all-night rehearsals, keeping the repertoire fresh, and providing clear and positive communication to inspire the choristers. Allowing enough time for mental understanding, muscle memory, and gradual mastery of music is crucial, as it fosters unity, purpose, a sense of community and teamwork. Winning competitions like these raises the choir’s profile, strengthens community pride, encourages support for the arts, and opens new opportunities for growth and performance."

The choir’s African Piece earned a platinum rating, a surprise achievement that left the team “numb with excitement.” Competing against five provinces and two international choirs from Lesotho and Zimbabwe, the Welkom Choir rose to the top, embodying the CUT spirit of determination and innovation.

Looking ahead: A vision beyond borders

The journey to success took exactly 12 months of preparation, dedication, and faith. Now, Mr Mangoejane has his sights set on the World Choir Games. “My dream is to showcase the incredible talent we have at CUT Welkom on an international stage,” he says. “Winning the Tiro Mampane NCE showed us that we have the potential to stand among the best. This is only the beginning.”

He added that the choir’s victory reflects not only musical excellence but also the courage, dedication, and unity of its members. “As champions of the Free State, they continue to inspire the broader campus community and set new standards for artistic achievement. This triumph not only highlights the choir's versatility and technical excellence across diverse musical styles but also cements their status as a leading force in choral music within the Free State and beyond. Currently, they are topping the league of 34 choirs drawn from five provinces, including Lesotho.

CUT Welkom Campus Choir was crowned the Free State champions at the prestigious National Choir Exhibition. The choir captivated judges and audiences alike with standout performances of ‘Eloi, Eloi’ by HK Pule and ‘Agnus Dei’ by W.A. Mozart. Their African piece, Eloi, Eloi, received a remarkable score of 90.67%, earning a platinum rating, making CUT Welkom the only choir in the Standard Category to achieve this prestigious milestone. Their rendition of the Western classical piece, Agnus Dei, earned a solid 74.67%, bringing their overall average to an impressive 82.67%.

For Mangoejane, the victory is more than a trophy, it’s a story of hope, purpose, and transformation. Through music, the conductor and his choir have not only raised the CUT flag high but also reminded us that with passion and perseverance, dreams once blurry can become beautifully clear. “I can’t wait to go to Sun City and make history,” he concludes with a smile.

Uploaded: 13 November 2025