Respected choral music icon Paulina Mphahlaza passed away last week,the Mpumalanga department of education has announced.
“It is with profound sadness for the department to announce the passing of Ms. Paulina Mphahlaza, a distinguished educationist, visionary leader and passionate champion of school choral music,” the department said.
Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of arts and culture in education, but her legacy will continue to resonate through the voices of generations of learners whose lives she transformed, the statement continued.
Mphahlaza served the Mpumalanga department of education with unwavering commitment and distinction.
The minister of education in Mpumalanga, Lindi Masina, said Mphahlaza was instrumental in pioneering the Department’s Curriculum Enrichment Programme, with particular emphasis on the School Choral Eisteddfod, a platform that has become a beacon of artistic excellence, discipline and talent development.
“A visionary beyond her time,” Masina remarked, “Mphahlaza was among the dedicated pioneers who united fragmented school choral music associations into a single national movement, now proudly known as the South African School Choral Eisteddfod.
“Her foresight, determination and collaborative spirit laid the foundation for a programme that continues to nurture young musical talent across South Africa.”
Mphahlaza’s greatest joy, it is said, was seeing young people discover their gifts and realise their potential.
Through her sharp eye for talent and unwavering belief in the transformative power of music, she identified and mentored countless learners, many of whom went on to pursue music at institutions of higher learning.
Among the brightest stars to emerge from her guidance is internationally acclaimed opera soprano , Pretty Yende, whose remarkable achievements on the world’s greatest stages, stand as confirmation to Mphahlaza’s enduring impact.
For Mphahlaza, choral music was her calling, her purpose and the language through which she inspired hope, unity and excellence.
She devoted her life to cultivating voices, shaping character and opening doors of opportunity for countless young South Africans.
Her passion echoed in every rehearsal, every performance and every life she touched.
As the department mourns the loss of one of its finest ambassadors of arts education, we also celebrate a life richly lived in service of others.
Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the education sector and on South Africa’s choral music landscape.
The melodies she nurtured will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that her legacy lives on in every choir that lifts its voice in harmony.
Masina said the department extends its heartfelt and deepest condolences to the Mphahlaza family, her friends, former colleagues, the school choral music fraternity and all whose lives were enriched by her dedication.
“May they find comfort in knowing that her remarkable legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” Masina said.”And may her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”
