Izivunguvungu MSC Foundation transforms youth lives through music

It's been a successful year for the Izivunguvungu MSC Foundation For Youth.

The project is a unique musical initiative that uses music as a tool to inspire and transform young lives, previously offering opportunities to travel within South Africa

The project initially commenced in 1996 when the SA Navy in Simon’s Town started a youth outreach programme in the area, which included the Navy Band with its Director, Commander Mike Oldham.

Oldham conducted his way by turning every note into an adventure and every performance into a celebration with the original band from Durbanville, gaining international recognition by performing in Vienna.

Soon Izivunguvungu found its groove spilling over to Ocean View and Masiphumelele, communities affected by gang violence.

The group offered children a safe space and a purpose through music, which would eventually grant this group an opportunity to tour Germany precovid, with some members going on to pursue music professionally.

“There was a basic idea to keep the youth off the streets, being occupied in the afternoons and holiday periods with the music groups.” Oldham said.

However when Covid-19 hit, it struck a sour note and brought a pause to the rhythm of things, Oldham said.

“We had to take a break and some of the sponsors also unfortunately were affected by Covid.”

But the group did not end on this low note Oldham said. Post Covid, Oldham got the group together again, this time with a greater vision.

Oldham said he realised how many children just never returned to school post Covid-19.

“This is the third leg of the project, involves the expansion to other areas around Simon’s Town including the new community of Dido Valley which consists of families who were evicted from Simon’s Town.

“At the moment we have approximately 150 pupils involved in this third leg and will be part of the development of performing groups with all the benefits proven around the first two legs.”

Oldham said they will also tackle the national scourge of unemployment.

“This prompted an emphasis on general preparations for their future, so now Izivunguvungu also helps learners who are school dropouts to further their education through music.

“We are now also hoping to facilitate the opportunities offered by the TVET Courses, including their ‘Pre-Vocational Learning Programme.

“Some students will qualify for bursaries due to their economic situation, but we will need to make a plan for others.”

In the new-year Oldham said he hopes to start the fourth leg, which includes transporting the young musicians across Cape Town and beyond, including to the Knysna Festival, as they did pre-Covid.

The Mediterranean Shipping Company, the original main sponsor, continues to afford some support, as it has done with a successful Sailing project.

However, transport plus equipment replacement and repairs, TVET Course fees will require further support next year, Oldham explained.

“It is possible, look at all we’ve achieved this year, all you need is one person who is willing to help and carry out the vision.”

Weekend Argus