A total of 47 young musicians from across South Africa and Namibia have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition. Now in its 37th year, it is widely regarded as the most prestigious event of its kind in Southern Africa.

The competition, open to children aged 13 and younger, is organised by the Tygerberg branch of the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT) and will be held from 22-26 September at the Endler and Fismer halls at Stellenbosch University. Cash prizes exceeding R100 000 are on offer.

A competition with deep roots

The Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition was first held in 1989, inspired by Prof Hubert van der Spuy, former chairperson of the SASMT (Tygerberg branch) and a widely respected figure in South African music education.

Van der Spuy’s legacy in the music world is considerable. He has been awarded the Huberte Rupert Prize by the SA Academy for Arts and Science, an honorary licentiate in music from Unisa, the lifetime achievement award at the 13th KykNET Fiëstas in March 2023, and an honorary doctorate from the North-West University in October 2023. He is an honorary member of the SASMT, served as national president for four terms, and has been patron of the Atterbury National Piano Competition since 2018.

He remains active as an adjudicator and external examiner for prominent universities. His commitment to young musicians is perhaps best reflected in his role as the generous donor of the competition’s first prize, which bears the name of his late mother, Johanna van der Spuy.

Stellenbosch University partnership

The competition continues its collaboration with the SU department of music, a partnership that began in 2024. Professor Mario Nell, the department’s representative on the competition, welcomed the finalists: “The Stellenbosch University department of music is proud to be part of this valuable initiative and to once again host the competition. Opportunities such as these play an indispensable role in nurturing the next generation of South African musicians.”

Chairperson’s message

Hilda Boonzaaier, chairperson of the SASMT (Tygerberg branch), praised the standard of entries. Boonzaaier received the organisation’s honorary membership in 2024 for her contribution to music education in South Africa.

“It was a huge privilege to listen to the excellent work entered by learners and teachers. We also acknowledge the precious role of everyone giving support to our young musicians. Keep up the good work! We are excited to experience your progress and hear your performances in September.”

Nurturing the next generation

Several former winners have gone on to study music at tertiary level and become critically, even internationally, acclaimed performers and educators. Some have returned to serve on the jury panel.

The competition’s rigorous programme is designed to maintain high standards while giving young musicians invaluable performance experience. It also aims to foster a supportive environment where educators, students and parents can connect and encourage one another.

Dr Marlene le Roux has served as patron of the competition since 2019. She is the CEO of the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town, chairperson of both the ATKV and Chrysalis Academy and a prominent disability and women’s rights activist. She also serves on various international music and theatre advisory panels.

The 2026 participants

A total of 47 participants have been selected across four regions. The Western Cape has 26 participants, followed by Gauteng with 16, KwaZulu-Natal with four and Namibia one.

Ages are as of 22 September 2026.

Western Cape

Cape Town Northern suburbs:

• Kraaifontein: Learvick Wepner (7, cello)
• Table View: Cathy Gravell (13, flute); Jehoshua van Zyl (12, cello); Quintin Gravell (12, cello); and Azariah van Zyl (11, violin)
• Parklands: Josiah Loubser (9, violin)
• Durbanville: Gemma Stewart (9, violin); Markus van der Westhuizen (12, cello); Lida Venter (8, piano); Isolde Venter (12, piano); and Korneels Venter (10, oboe)
• Bellville: Ruben van Zyl (13, cello); Léa-Michelle Steyn (13, piano); Reinhardt Naudé (13, piano); Ineke Naudé (10, piano); Benjamin Monvoisin (12, clarinet); Christiaan van der Merwe (13, piano)
• Panorama: Donna Chan (9, violin)
• Kuils River: Etienne Boer (10, cello)

Cape Town Southern suburbs:

• Oranjezicht: Charlotte Alexander (13, piano)
• Penlyn Estate: Maya Bhoola (11, cello)
• Rondebosch: Hibah Long (10, cello); Sadie Owen (12, cello)
• Newlands: Zoë Pitman (12, violin)

Winelands:

• Stellenbosch: Johandre Conradie (12, cello)
• Somerset West: Junming Lin (10, piano)

Gauteng

Henning Bouwer (13, flute); Cynthia Wang (10, violin); Selina Yang (12, violin); Sienna Liu (12, flute); Sophie Wang (11, piano); Danille de Jager (13, recorder); Laylah van Straaten (12, piano); Hanna Marais (10, piano); Elsa Marais (9, piano); Daphie Wang (11, piano); Emilie Sinran Yang (10, piano); Lia Kleynhans (9, piano); Connor Liu (13, piano); Milla Swart (13, piano); Minke Swart (10, piano); and Liam Erasmus (13, trumpet).

KwaZulu-Natal

Adriaan Spies (12, piano); Emmanuel Spies (10, piano); Derren Hsu (7, piano); and Yuri Hirahashi (11, piano).

Namibia

Juliette Nel (13, cello).

How to watch

The competition final on 26 September will be live streamed on the competition’s YouTube channel.

Tickets to attend in person at the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch will be available at Webtickets.

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