The sound of music fills the room as young dancers count their steps, performers encourage one another from the sidelines, and confidence grows with every rehearsal.

What may look like an ordinary afternoon of dance practice is, for Simunye Global Organisation, something much bigger. It is a chance to keep children off the streets and help them discover a future they never imagined for themselves.

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Established in June 2022, the organisation was founded to create opportunities for children, particularly those from township communities, by combining the arts with education and mentorship.

Founder Leboang Mdlalana said Simunye was created to support children through the things they are naturally passionate about.

“We keep children off the streets and support them through what they love. For most of them, that’s art. Where we come from, especially in the townships, there aren’t many opportunities in the creative space. We want children to know that their talent can become something meaningful.”

He said too often children feel pressured to follow career paths chosen for them rather than pursue what excites them.

“Sometimes parents want their children to become lawyers or follow other professions, but the child loves dancing, performing or creating. We want them to understand that those talents also have value and can open doors.”

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While the performances capture people’s attention, Simunye’s work goes far beyond the stage.

The organisation also supports children academically, encouraging them to balance their education with their artistic ambitions.

“It’s not only about developing their talents,” said Anele Shongwe, another representative.

She added that education is just as important. “We have a library, and we support them with their schoolwork too. We want them to use their gifts to create a future for themselves, not just perform for today.”

The organisation also gives parents peace of mind.

“It doesn’t only benefit the children. When parents are at work, they know their child is safe, surrounded by people who care and learning something positive. That takes a lot of stress away,” said Mdlalana.

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Simunye’s partnership with the Fourways Main Reef Rotary Club began with a conversation after Mdlalana met Rotary member Steve Margo at another event. After hearing the organisation’s story, Margo invited Mdlalana to present it to the club.

“They loved what we were doing and wanted to support us where we couldn’t do everything ourselves,” said Mdlalana.

That support recently gave the children the opportunity to perform at Art @ the Manor, where they showcased the creativity they have been developing.

Mdlalana said the performances are driven by the children themselves.

“They come with their own ideas and creativity. We simply guide them. What people see on stage is their work.”

Watching them perform remains one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

“They were incredible. They’re still children, so stage fright is normal; even adults experience it. But they went out there, gave it their all and made us so proud,” said Shongwe.

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