24 Feb Young marimba band shares stage with Vusi Mahlasela at Sudwala Caves
Young marimba band shares stage with Vusi Mahlasela at Sudwala Caves
MBOMBELA – Valentine’s Day 2026 will probably go down as one of the most memorable days for a group of local learners who found themselves performing on one of the province’s most iconic stages – and sharing a programme with music legend Vusi Mahlasela.
The sounds of marimbas echoed through the historic chambers of the Sudwala Caves as the Boschrand Marimba Band opened Mahlasela’s Valentine’s Show on Saturday evening right here in the heart of the Lowveld.
The band, made up of learners from Boschrand Primary School and Cyril Clark Secondary School, delivered a stellar performance that set the tone for the evening’s entertainment.
According to Mr Given Mashabane, Director for STEAM at Penreach, for many of the Grade 4 to Grade 7 learners, it was their first visit to the caves – let alone their first time performing in a venue many of South Africa’s artists only dream of.
The performance formed part of Penreach’s Artreach Programme, which provides structured arts education and performance opportunities to learners in under-resourced communities.
Mashabane said the evening represented more than a single performance.
“When learners from our local schools stand on a stage like this, it changes how they see themselves. This just reminds us that when young people are given the right support and real platforms, they rise to the occasion.”
He added that opportunities to perform alongside established artists show learners that their talent has value beyond the classroom.
Penreach would like to extend a special thank you to Vusi Mahlasela and his team for creating space on such a significant platform for our learners. Their generosity and belief in young talent made this moment possible.
As Penreach continues to expand its arts initiatives across Mpumalanga through their STEAM initiative, performances like this highlight what is possible when communities invest in young talent.
As a non profit organisation, partnerships like these strengthen our mission and allow us to open doors that many young artists would otherwise never access.
For more information about Penreach and their Artreach Programme and how to support young musicians across the province, follow Penreach on social media or send an email to partners@penreach.co.za