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The syllabus

Thirteen disciplines, one stage

Every section of the syllabus is adjudicated by professionals. Each discipline carries its own divisions, entry costs and timetable — the full 2026 e-syllabus is available to registered and affiliated participants.

01 · Keyboard Instruments

Keyboard

Piano and organ classes from debutante to diploma level — the discipline where most journeys begin, with divisions graded by year of study.

Klavier
02 · String Instruments

Strings

Violin, viola, cello and double bass — solo, duet and ensemble divisions, from open strings to advanced repertoire.

Strykinstrumente
03 · Wind Instruments

Wind

Recorder, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon — the woodwind voice of the festival.

Houtblasers
04 · Brass Instruments

Brass

Trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba — bold solo lines and ensemble fanfares.

Koperblasers
05 · Guitar & Percussion

Guitar & Percussion

Classical guitar studies, plus drum kit and percussion classes with their own convenor-led section.

Kitaar & slaginstrumente
06 · Orchestra

Orchestra

Children's orchestras and full youth orchestras performing prepared programmes for adjudication.

Orkes
07 · Vocals, Singing Games & Choir

Vocals & Choir

Solo singing, duets, trios, singing games and the festival's heart — the massed choir competitions that fill the hall.

Sang, singspeletjies & koor
08 · Dance — All Genres

Dance

Ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, traditional and creative movement — danced solos, duets and groups.

Dans — alle genres
09 · Drama, Poems, Speech & Prose

Drama & Poetry

Monologues, mime, prepared and unprepared speech, poems in English and Afrikaans — voice and presence on stage.

Drama, gedigte & voordrag
10 · Creative Writing

Creative Writing

Poetry and creative prose judged on paper — the quiet discipline that lets young writers shine.

Poësie & skryfwerk
11 · Art, Ceramics & Sculpture

Art & Ceramics

Works exhibited and adjudicated — painting, drawing, ceramics and sculpture from young visual artists.

Kuns, keramiek & beeldhou
12 · Photography

Photography

The newest discipline in the syllabus — photographs exhibited and judged for eye, composition and story.

Fotografie
13 · Xhosa Poems

Xhosa Poems

isiXhosa poetry performed with pride — a discipline that celebrates language and heritage on the eisteddfod stage.

Imibongo yesiXhosa
Also in the syllabus

Special sections

Beyond the thirteen core disciplines, dedicated convenors run these focused sections — part of the syllabus's rich, bilingual tradition.

Drum Kit

BM-tromme — a rhythm section with its own divisions and adjudication.

Convenor-led

Handwriting

DN-handskrif — the art of the written line, judged for form and fluency.

Convenor-led

Public Speaking

CW-openbare redevoering — prepared and impromptu speech in English and Afrikaans.

Convenor-led

Find your discipline.

Entries open 2 February and close 18 March. Registered users see the full syllabus with divisions and fees.