 Choirs (The Rand Afrikaans University Choir and the University of Pretoria Camerata) under his direction have been awarded the Grand Prix award at the ] for two years consecutively.In 2007 Van der Sandt was awarded best conductor at the International Choral festival in Gorizia, Italy while conducting the University of Pretoria Camerata.The Camerata were also awarded first prize in the Jazz and Pop category at a 46th CA Seghizzi International Choral Competition held at the festival.