A marimba group performs at the National Eisteddfod. Since its inception, the project has reached over 610 000 young performers, celebrating South Africa’s rich multi-cultural diversity.
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The National Eisteddfod Academy (NEA) has announced its 2026 programme, featuring national competitions in the performing and visual arts and a call for new adjudicators.
The non-profit organisation, which has focused on youth development in the arts since 1997, will host the 23rd NEA Young Performer Awards Competition, the 14th Young Artist Awards Competition and the annual National Eisteddfod of South Africa.
Walroux Tolmay, Sinhle Mona and Caitlin Kreuz display their certificates as finalists in the NEA Young Performer Awards.
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Entries are now open for the Young Performer Awards Competition, which is aimed at amateur performers who excelled at eisteddfods or similar events in 2025. The competition covers music (classical and contemporary), dance and drama. Rounds will take place between March 3 and 10 May 2026, with the final scheduled for May 10 at the Roodepoort Theatre. Participants will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as a share of R20 000 in prize money. The closing date for entries is March 4.
The National Eisteddfod Academy provides a platform for various dance forms, encouraging young performers to develop their skills and self-confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
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The 14th Young Artist Awards Competition focuses on the creative and visual arts and invites nominations from organisations, schools, institutions and private studios, as well as entries from parents of individual participants. The competition is divided into three categories: Entry Level (Grade 0–3), Junior (Grade 4–7) and Senior (Grade 8–Open). Adjudication will take place over three rounds, with an exhibition of winning artworks and the announcement of category winners scheduled for mid-June at the Alice Art Gallery. The closing date for entries is April 17.
Sinhle Mona delivers a gold-medal-winning contemporary music performance.
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The flagship National Eisteddfod of South Africa will open its call for entries on April 1, 2026. The project provides opportunities for participants of all ages to compete in music, dance, drama and the creative arts. Entries for activities adjudicated between August and early September close on July 31, while regions adjudicated between mid-September and early October have a deadline of August 31.
ilver medalist Walroux Tolmay showcases the theatrical talent that the NEA has been fostering since 1997.
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According to the academy, more than 610 000 young performers from rural and urban areas have participated in its programmes since inception.
Bronze medalist Caitlin Kreuz performs her dance routine.
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The NEA is also inviting established arts practitioners and aspiring adjudicators in music, dance, speech and drama, and visual arts to apply to join its adjudication forum. The academy says its adjudication approach emphasises education and development rather than competition alone.
Further information and entry details are available on the NEA website.