Definitions
In these rules the following terms or expressions shall bear the meanings assigned to them below:
■ “TMF – NCE” shall mean the Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod including all events and activities related thereto.
■ “National Organising Committee (NOC)” shall mean a committee of the TMF – NCE with a mandate to manage the day-to-day operations of the TMF – NCE.
■ “Local Volunteers (LV)” shall mean volunteers from the hosting province or region with a mandate to help facilitate the Regional Elimination.
■ “Artistic Committee (AC)” shall mean a committee of the TMF – NCE with a mandate to manage the day-to-day technical, artistic, and musical aspects of the TMF – NCE.
■ “Sponsors” shall mean Tiro Mpane Foundation and any other financially quantifiable contributor to the TMF – NCE in line with the attached sponsorship grading.
■ “Provincial Eliminations” shall mean all nine (9) SA Provinces, i.e. (Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape)
“Neighbouring Countries” i.e. (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe)
■ “Assessors” shall mean a panel appointed by the TMF –NCE to assess performances at Provincial/Regional Eliminations.
■ “Transgressing” shall mean any act or process or instance that violets the TMF – NCE rules.
■ “Sanctioned” shall mean to be subjected to a penalty or punishment for a wrongdoing or violation of the rules of the TMF – NCE.
■ “Disqualify” shall mean an act of declaring a Choir ineligible to take further part in the Eisteddfod as a punitive action to an offence or misconduct the Choir committed, and “disqualification” shall mean the action of disqualifying or being disqualified.
■ “The League” will represent a “Premier and Tertiary Categories” comparative average score ranking of all choirs based on their performance and assessment during their respective Provincial/Regional Eliminations. These rankings will be consolidated into a “per Category” single table, in order to determine the choirs that will advance to compete in the National Finals under each stated Category.
1. Eligibility
1.1 Only adult choirs are eligible to apply to participate in the TMF – NCE subject to the terms and conditions set out in these rules. Choristers must at least be eighteen (18) years of age to participate in the Eisteddfod.
1.2 For the National Choral Eisteddfod, the participating choirs are to submit to the NOC a fully completed chorister list indicating age and ID number. This document should reach the NOC fourteen (14) days prior to the Friday of the National Finals. This exercise will assist to secure logistics.
1.3 In the event there is doubt that a Chorister meets the age criteria (as per Rule 1.2), onus lies with the Choir/Chorister to prove otherwise. An original Identity Document must immediately be provided to dispel such notion. Failure to provide proof will result in the disqualification of the Choir concerned.
1.4 To be eligible to host the Provincial/Regional Eliminations, a minimum total of eight (8) registered choirs will be required. A region that has less than a total of eight (8) registered choirs, will be required to compete at another Provinicial/Region as determined by the NOC. These choirs will be assessed according to their Provincial/regional belonging for the sake of awarding, and they will then be positioned accordingly in the League rankings which will ultimately confirm if they have met the criterion to proceed to the National Finals.
2. Choir Composition
2.1 Provincial/Regional eliminations will have three categories – Tertiary, Advanced and Premier Categories.
2.2 The size of a choir participating in the Tertiary Category should be 60 choristers.
2.3. The size of a choir participating in the Advanced category should be 50 choristers.
2.4 The size of a choir participating in the Premier Category should be fewer 65 choristers.
2.5 Choirs who fail to meet these criteria will be not be allowed to partake.
2.6 Each chorister may sing in only one choir in which he/she is a registered member for that particular year. While the first choir the chorister participated under will face no repercussions, the other choir(s) where the chorister partakes shall be disqualified.
2.7 A conductor may choose to sing with another choir, however in a different category than the one he/she directs in.
3. The Categories
3.1. The competition in both the Tertiary and Premier categories will be structured as a League, with choirs’ rankings determined by their performance in the Provincial/Regional Eliminations.
3.2 Advanced Category: Provincial/Regional winning choirs will advance to the National Finals provided they scored 75% or above.
3.3 Premier Category: Choirs ranked second (2) to eleven (11) will advance to the National Finals.
3.4 Great Champs’ Category: His Majesty Correctional Services choir, Voices of the Nation, SA Singers, KTM Choir will proceed automatically to the 2026 finals. The top ranked choir in the Premier category league will form part of the (5) Great Champs category in the Nationals Finals.
3.5 In the event that a chorister who participated during the Provincial/Regional Eliminations intends to participate with a choir competing in the Interdenominational Category at the National Finals, the choir concerned must declare such participation in writing to the organisers timeously and before the prescribed declaration deadline.
4. Assessment
4.1 The selection and appointment of the Assessors to serve in the Panel shall be at the sole discretion of the TMF-NCE.
4.2 Any decision of the Assessors shall be final and binding and no discussion or correspondence will be entered into.
4.3 Choirs or choir management or officials who dispute, threaten, or attempt to intimidate sponsors, assessors and NOC in any way or who attempt to disrupt a TMF – NCE event with any form of protest action could be disqualified by the NOC from some or all future events.
5. Competition Dates and Venues
The TMF – NCE will determine the dates and venues of all competitions, after considering the availability of suitable venues.
6. Starting Times
6.1 All competitions, both Provincial/Regional Eliminations and National Finals, shall commence at 09h00 or such other time as may be determined by the NOC.
6.2 Choirs are to report to the organisers one (1) hour before starting time (i.e. 08h00).
6.3 Please note that the starting times will be strictly adhered to. Any choir arriving late at the Provincial/Regional Eliminations or National Finals shall be penalized according to the discretion of the NOC.
6.4 The performance order of choirs at the Provincial/Regional Eliminations shall be based on the reverse order of confirmation of participation in the Provincial/Regional Eliminations i.e. the first choir to submit its application/confirmation and registration fee will be last to perform. Choirs will be advised of the performance order prior to the Provincial/Regional Eliminations.
6.5 The performance order of choirs at the National Finals will be decided via a live draw.
7. Registration
7.1 Choirs that are interested in participating in the Provincial/Regional Eliminations must register online, through a link, pay a non-refundable registration fee of R1000, and upload the proof of payment. Registration closes on the 31st of July 2026 at midnight.
7.2 Choirs must deposit the registration fee directly into the bank account as directed by the NOC:
Account name: TMF-NCE
Bank: FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Account number: 63165093675
Branch code: 252645
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference number: Choir Name
7.3 For reference purposes please use the name of the choir. The choir shall bear the risk of payment not reaching the NOC by 31st July or not reaching the NOC at all.
7.4 If a registered choir is unable to participate in the Provincial/Regional Eliminations, the NOC must be informed in writing 7 days prior to the event.
7.5 Choirs who qualify to participate in the National Finals must submit a list of names, identity numbers, next of kin contact details, known allergies of the choristers and conductor to the NOC fourteen (14) days prior to the event.
7.6 Choirs are eligible to register regardless of their music association affiliations.
8. Dress Code
8.1 Choristers are expected to perform in their choir uniforms.
8.2 Choristers will be provided with branded wristbands specified by NOC. The wristbands will be used for identification purposes when performing and for special access.
8.3 The choir conductor must be formally dressed (western or traditional) for the awarding ceremony. In the absence of the choir conductor, a formally dressed (western or traditional) official may collect the award. Should a choir fail to collect its award or send an improperly dressed official to collect the award as it is announced, the choir will be penalized according to the discretion of the NOC.
9. Conductors
9.1 A conductor may only conduct one choir that she/he is registered with per Eisteddfod year. Refer to clause 2.6 above.
9.2 A conductor may not be changed between Provincial/Regional Eliminations and National Finals unless there are reasonable merits presented to and approved by the NOC condoning the change.
10. The Provincial/Regional Eliminations
10.1 In the event that any of the activities are cancelled for any reason, the TMF- NCE shall not be held liable for any costs, damages or losses incurred by any choir, choir members, management or officials.
10.2 In the event that twenty-five (25) or more choirs confirm their participation in a region, the NOC may decide at its sole discretion to extend the Provincial/Regional Eliminations to cover two (2) days, or to engage two panels of assessors, provided that the Tertiary/Advance/d and Premier categories are each completed in a single day. It will be compulsory for choirs to sing both prescribed pieces consecutively in a single appearance on stage or in alternation; whereby odd numbered choirs will present the African piece and even numbered choirs present the Western piece and/or vice versa.
10.3 Under no circumstances will Provincial/Regional Eliminations exceed two (2) days in duration, nor will any one category exceed one day.
10.4 In the event that twenty-four (24) choirs confirm their participation in a Provincial/region, they are eligible to sing the selected prescribed pieces in two separate appearances on stage. However, should the starting times be compromised, the NOC may decide at its sole discretion to make it compulsory for choirs to sing both prescribed pieces consecutively in a single appearance, or in alternation; whereby odd numbered choirs will present the African piece and even numbered choirs present the Western piece and/or vice versa.
10.5 The NOC reserves the right to, at its sole discretion, disqualify any choir or chorister from participating in the competition over reasons that go against the TMF – NCE policies.
10.6 For all the Provincial/Regional Eliminations, choirs shall be responsible for their own transport and accommodation costs.
11. National Finals
11.1 Transport: The Organisers will pay the transport costs to the National Finals for all choirs competing in the National Finals from and to all nine (9) provinces of the Republic of South Africa. This includes 50 choristers and 1 conductor for the Advanced Category, 60 choristers and 1 conductor for the Tertiary Category, 65 and 1 conductor for the Premier Category and 70 choristers and 1 conductor for the Great Champions’ Categories.
The TMF-NCE decision on bus company and type of bus shall be final. The TMF-NEC shall not be responsible for payment for the transport of any additional numbers other than the numbers stipulated above. Such charges shall be for the account of individual choirs. The reserve bus driver will be used for all journeys longer than 600 km.
11.2 Accommodation: Choirs will be accommodated for the duration of their competition performance and are expected to check out on the morning of their last performance day.
12.3 Meals: Only breakfast will be provided to all participating choirs. Choirs should make their own lunch and dinner arrangements.
11.4 Notification of Non-attendance: If a choir qualifying to participate at the National Finals is unable to attend, the TMF-NCE must be informed two (2) weeks after the last Provincial/Regional Eliminations and prior to the Conductor’s Masterclass. The TMF-NCE reserves the right to replace or not.
11.5 A participation fee will be paid to choirs that performs both prescribed pieces (i.e Western and African) in their entirety at the National Finals.
11.5.1 Participation fee for Advanced Category choirs will be R10,000.00.
11.5.2 Participation fee Tertiary category R10 000
11.5.3 Participation fee Interdenominational category R10 000
12.5.2 Participation fee for Premier Category choirs will be R15,000.00.
12.5.3 Participation fee for Great Champions’ Category will be R30,000.00.
13. Prizes
National Prizes:
Tertiary category
· Champion Choir – R80 000 + trophy
· 1st Runner Up – R60 000 + trophy
· 2nd Runner Up – R40 000 + trophy
Interdenominational
· Champion Choir – R80 000 + trophy
· 1st Runner Up – R60 000 + trophy
· 2nd Runner Up – R40 000 + trophy
Advanced Category
· Champion Choir – R130 000 + trophy
· 1st Runner Up – R90 000 + trophy
· 2nd Runner Up – R60 000 + trophy
Premier Category
· Champion Choir – R150 000 + trophy
· 1st Runner Up – R130 000 + trophy
· 2nd Runner Up – R80 000 + trophy
Great Champions Category
· Champion Choir – R200 000 + trophy
· 1st Runner Up – R130 000 + trophy
· 2nd Runner Up – R80 000 + trophy
13.2 All prizes and participation fees will be paid in South African Currency.
13.3 The fees will be paid into the choir’s specified bank account.
14. Admission and Gate Takings
14.1 The admission fee will be determined by the TMF-NCE.
14.2 Admission to the venue where the Provincial/Regional Eliminations or National Finals are held is strictly reserved. Choristers who wish to enter the venue as part of the audience must pay the admission fee and produce a valid ticket at the entrance. For Conductors to receive free entry, they must be wearing their means of identification that the TMF- NCE may require.
15. Music Accompaniment
15.1 Choirs who participate at the Provincial/Regional Eliminations must provide their own pianist. The TMF-NEC will ensure the availability of a piano and/or a suitable substitute accompanying instrument at all Provincial/Regional Eliminations and/or an orchestra at the National Finals.
15.2 Choirs are responsible for arranging rehearsals venues and pianists at their own cost.
15.3 A piano and/or a suitable substitute accompanying instrument are the only accompaniment permitted at the Provincial/Regional Eliminations.
15.4 The TMF-NCE will fix the position of the piano and/or a suitable substitute accompanying instrument on the stage, and it may not be moved at any time thereafter.
16. Communication
16.1 Choirs are required to provide the name, email address and cell phone number of the person to whom all correspondence should be addressed.
16.2 All communications to the NOC or the TMF-NCE should be addressed to the Project Manager.
· Telephone: +27 79 241 4007
· Email: info@tmfnce.co.za
· WhatsApp: +27 79 241 4007
16.3 All communication with the NOC or TMF-NCE committees should be directed through the Choir Management.
17. General
17.1 Each chorister and choir as well as its management participate in the TMF-NCE at their own risk and indemnify the NOC, the Sponsors and their employees against liability arising from participation in the TMF-NCE.
17.2 Illegal use of the TMF-NCE’s and the Sponsors’ trademarks will be regarded a criminal offence.
17.3 The person signing the application form on behalf of the choir warrants that these rules and in particular the indemnity were read to each chorister/s and choir management who agreed to be bound thereto.
17.4 Any transgression of or non-compliance with these rules will lead to a disqualification/penalty. On entering the TMF-NCE, choirs undertake to observe these rules and that all administrative, disciplinary and assessment decisions connected to the competitions will be dealt with in terms of these rules, and where the rules are silent the decision by the TMF-NCE (NOC) shall apply.
17.5 A Choir and/or choristers will immediately be disqualified if chorister(s) and/ or the choir conducts themselves in a way that will harm the public image of the TMF-NCE or the maintaining of discipline, whether inside or outside of choir context.
17.6 The TMF-NCE NOC reserves the right to amend the rules and regulations as and when they deem necessary.
18. Process of registering a Protest
18.1 A Choir may lodge a formal protest (in writing) with the TMF-NCE against another/other choir(s) in respect of any Provincial/Regional Eliminations and/or National Finals held under TMF-NCE auspices.
18.2 Where the protest relates to a Chorister/s who is/are alleged to be a transgressor(s), the protesting choir will lodge the protest on the day of the event.
18.2.1 If the protest is lodged before the choir takes the stage, the choir can withdraw the chorister(s) and the protest is cancelled. If the protest arises after the choir has competed, the protest must be lodged, in writing, within 48 hours after the competition.
18.2.2 The protesting choir should provide all evidence to substantiate the protest.
18.3 A non-refundable protest deposit fee of R3 000 must be paid to the TMF-NCE account on submission of a protest. The dispute referral must contain the relevant names, addresses and contact numbers.
18.4 In the event that the protest is lodged successfully, the transgressing choir will be disqualified.
18.5 TMF-NCE shall, in its sole discretion, decide on the manner and procedure for resolving protests and its decision shall be final and binding.
19. Media Rights
19.1 Media rights for all competitions of the TMF-NCE will belong to the TMF-NCE, and no TMF-NCE material may be filmed, televised, or published online without the written consent, of the NOC.
19.2 It will constitute a misconduct for a choir to enter into a contractual agreement with a broadcaster, whether television, radio or any other media or format, without written permission from the TMF-NCE.
19.3 The TMF-NCE retains the ownership rights to all audio and visual recordings made during Provincial/regional eliminations and finals. By participating in the competition, Choirs grant the Eisteddfod the right to use, reproduce, and distribute these recordings across various media, including but not limited to social media platforms, promotional materials, and digital archives, without requiring additional consent or compensation.
20. Memberships and Affiliations
TMF-NCE is open to reasonable partnerships and working relationships with Choral Music Organisations/Associations/Bodies/Structures’ however, it does not report to any Choral Music Structure or an individual.
Should a Choral Music Organisation/Association/Body/Structure/individual voluntarily express interest to assist or partake in any or all activities of the TMF-NCE, they will be requested to do so in writing detailing exactly the role or support they intend rendering also specifically stipulating their expectation. Upon receipt, the TMF-NCE will then determine a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU).
DECLARATION
The TMF-NCE fully complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013. We recognize that some of the information provided for participation in this Eisteddfod is confidential. Such information will not be shared or distributed to any unintended parties or platforms. We assure participants that this data will only be used for the sole purpose of organizing and facilitating the Eisteddfod. We are committed to safeguarding this information, ensuring it remains protected and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.