ONE of the most loyal supporters of Sowetan's nation-building partnership projects has sadly stopped acting as a corporate social investments sponsor owing to financial considerations.

ONE of the most loyal supporters of Sowetan's nation-building partnership projects has sadly stopped acting as a corporate social investments sponsor owing to financial considerations.

South Africa's most prestigious and highly respected non-competitive choral and classical music showcase, the yearly Massed Choir Festival, owes its phenomenal status to generous backing from the Transnet Foundation.

The transport utility had made the event part of a portfolio that included education, health, sport, arts and culture and containerised assistance programmes.

Transnet says it is no longer in a position to sponsor the festival because the economic environment has prompted a review of its corporate social investments.

The foundation has however given the assurance that it remains a committed partner and supporter of Sowetan's nation-building concept, philosophy and practice.

It is among several mainstay projects of the Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation that were inspired by the visionary leadership of the late Sowetan editor-in-chief Aggrey Klaaste.

Klaaste encouraged people to learn to live, love and work together for national stability, peace and prosperity by starting and sustaining community and youth development projects that articulated these noble ideals.

Sowetan is looking for sponsors for the festival to keep Klaaste's legacy alive.

Choristers of all races have taken part in this almost peerless celebration of South Africa's cultural heritage, which has become a showcase of the country's championship choirs.

The Massed Choir Festival has also helped to launch the careers of many soloists, choirs, composers and conductors.