Seventeen-year-old baritone player Nkosingiphile Zikhali, from Mandeni, has been selected to represent South Africa in the Chords of Community Exchange Programme in Norway later this year.

His achievement was the highlight of the official launch of the Mandini Programme, hosted by the Field Band Foundation (FBF), Mandini Academy and the Department of Education.

Zikhali, praised for his leadership skills, is one of only 11 field band members chosen nationwide for the international exchange.

“Nkosingiphile is a shining example of the impact our programmes can have. His journey from the Mandeni band to an international stage shows that opportunities created here can open doors to the world,” said FBF CEO Ushama Ross Jerrier.

The launch also marked a milestone as the first field band project in KZN and Mandini Academy became the first school in South Africa to introduce the Early Childhood Development phase of FBF’s Music for All model.

The day featured lively performances by the National Field Band and the new Mandini Field Band, with community members, pupils and principals from nearby schools joining in the celebration.

Mandini Academy principal Desigan Pillay said the programme gives their youngest pupils the opportunity to grow through music and creativity, building strong foundations for learning and life.

The Foundation works with more than 3 000 young people each year, reaching close to 100 schools and including 400 children with disabilities in its bands.

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