By Dr Tshepo Mvulane Moloi,
Funda Community College has been relaunched, and we are open for business. On Saturday, 10 October 2026, we welcomed veteran artists, educators, families and community representatives to our Diepkloof campus in Soweto.
As the incumbent Rector and Executive Director, I was pleased to share our plans for rebuilding the college and opening its doors to a new generation of learners, creatives and partners.
The gathering brought together people who have carried Funda through different periods of its history. Some helped build its reputation; others kept its work going through difficult years. We also welcomed people whose involvement will help shape the college’s future. Throughout the afternoon, our attention remained on what this campus can offer the community and what we must do to make those opportunities available.
Nickey Mothiba graciously guided the proceedings as master of ceremonies. Our Board Chairperson, Magoshi Kgole, delivered the welcome note, followed by veteran artist Lindumuzi Mngoma (eldest son of muso Khabi Mngoma), who reflected upon Funda’s rich history. Hearing that history from someone connected to its umbilical cord/ontological reality reminded all of us present at the relaunch how much knowledge resides amongst the people who have worked, taught and created at Funda Community College.
As Rector it was an honour to acknowledge Funda’s veterans Gibo Pheto (son of Molefo Pheto), Lindumuzi Mngoma, Charles Nkosi and Stan Sibeko. Their presence connected the work ahead to previous years of teaching, institution building and commitment to accessible education against the canon of apartheid.
Charles Nkosi served Funda for decades, leading the visual arts department and later the college. I thanked him for that contribution. I also recognised Stan Sibeko’s role in administration and his early commitment to technology education. Their work alongside other pioneers helped create opportunities for township learners to enter further education and pursue professional careers across the arts spectrum.
In my address, I briefly reflected upon the apt contributions of Steven Sacks who was Director of the African Institute of Art (AIA), Motsumi Makhene Director of Madimba Institute of African Music (MADIMBA), Matsemela Manaka Director of the Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre (Soyikwa) and the first coordinator of the Funda Arts Centre. As regards the ladies, reference was made to Sibongile Khumalo, Essy Letsoalo and Nomsa Manaka among others.
The programme also gave us an opportunity to hear about current campus activities. Mapule Chuene of Be My Mom Montessori Pre-school outlined campus operations and spoke about her experience of working with the community here. Her contribution showed how the campus already supports relationships with local children and families. Our new Campus
Manager, Tumelo Mokopakgosi, reflected on the Fine Art Department’s history and its place in Funda’s development.
Vusimuzi Owen Meya, Chairman of NESO, presented a community outreach project aimed at helping local children access sporting opportunities through partnerships with local and national taxi associations. Mbongeni Bodlani and Mduduzi Mdlalose, representing the Federation of Gauteng Arts, emphasised the need to involve more young people in Funda’s activities. I concur with that view; our future depends on young people finding a place at Funda Community College and taking an active role in its life.
Our Board Secretary, Ras Sandile Lelaka Khoza, introduced me before I delivered the keynote address, titled ‘The Return of the Imagination’. I spoke about Es’kia Mphahlele’s influence on Funda Community College and his belief in education that enables people to think, create and understand their own experience.
I also acknowledged the difficulties the college has endured, namely interrupted programmes, financial hardship and the loss of library resources. I thanked those who stayed committed when conditions made that commitment difficult. Donations are now helping us replenish the campus, and that work must continue alongside the rebuilding of our programmes.
Our turnaround, which is projected to span until 2031, rests upon three key commitments. We intend to restore music, theatre and dance; develop heritage education and technology opportunities; and deliver succinct results.
We want people to learn to document, interpret, guide and take ownership of Soweto’s heritage of art. Among others, the Zibike Imaginerium seeks to bring back Matsemela Manaka’s plays to the Funda campus.
Poetry was recited by Sibusiso Nxumalo, acknowledgements of our partners and a vote of thanks were given by our new Deputy Campus Manager Mzi Gojo, which concluded the formal proceedings. Tumelo Mokopakgosi, the curator for the relaunch exhibition titled Phinda Phemba, then led the campus tour.
The tour began with murals on the historic Prefab building honouring Funda legends and stalwarts, including Mmatshilo Motsei, Vincent Baloyi, Sibongile Khumalo, Durant Sehlali, Es’kia Mphahlele, Charles Nkosi, Ezekiel Budeli and Matsemela Manaka. Guests then viewed the artwork exhibitions inside the building before gathering for refreshments.
Our next activities include Mzi Gojo’s curation of the Isithebe Residency Exhibition which starts on the 17th of October 2026. This will then be followed by Sibusiso Nxumalo’s curation of the Black Wednesday commemoration on 19 October 2026 which will lead to his Festival of Original Sound in December 2026.
On behalf of the leadership of Funda Community College, we cordially extend an invitation to all learners, artists, community organisations and prospective partners to engage with us as we chart a new chapter.
We will measure our progress through the learning, performances, archives, graduates and businesses that emerge from Funda Community College. Join us as we embark upon “the process of becoming” (Es’kia Mphahlele).
Dr Tshepo Mvulane Moloi is Rector and Executive Director of Funda Community College.
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