The South African Port Operations Port Elizabeth Choir has clinched a golden double by winning top honours at the Transnet National Internal Choirs Competition for the second year running.

A full house and an enthusiastic audience response greeted the choirs competition, which is held annually by the Transnet Foundation. It aims to enrich and add value to the lives of employees by involving them in competitive choral singing.

The transport parastatal’s 20 internal choirs around the country compete in regional heats, with the five winners going through to the national finals.

This year’s runner-up was the Transwerk Durban Choir, which took home a purse of R20,000.

“We’re delighted with how well this year’s competition ran,” said the Transnet Foundation’s Susie Mabie. “The standard continues to improve every year.”

She pointed out that the competition had been extremely tough, but that the choirs had displayed “impressive dedication and commitment”.

“It has definitely contributed to heightening awareness of choral and classical music. The fact that the event was so well attended indicates that the public’s interest in such music is growing.”

More information at www.transnetfoundation.co.za