Have any unused musical instruments? The Mamela Project needs your help!

CapeTalk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined by Charles Louw, founder and director of The Mamela Project.

In communities like Manenberg, where challenges often overshadow opportunity, creativity can be both an escape and a powerful force for change. 

One project that is nurturing young talent and building self-belief is The Mamela Project – a grassroots music education initiative started in the early '90s by Charles Louw, a musician himself.

Currently, 30 pupils are part of the programme.

Mamela is celebrating the recent donation of four brand-new guitars and two keyboards by a local company, but is always in need of more instruments and any support for the youngsters they teach. 

If you have any unused musical instruments, do consider donating them to this project uplifting the youth of Manenberg.

As Mamela founder Charles Louw says, the kids of this community are vulnerable and it's easy for them to become involved in gangster activity or drug abuse.

"A lot of youngsters that have been part of the project have escaped that route and found that there are better things to do when they come here. For us that is a joy and we believe we're really impacting their lives."

Charles Louw, Director - Mamela Music Project

"I grew up in Manenberg and, seeing all the social ills around me, decided I must play a part in helping to bring about change in the community... Years ago, our musical group went to schools to perform and the youngsters became interested; that's how the project came about."

Charles Louw, Director - Mamela Music Project

They're not picky about which instruments they receive, Louw says.

When it comes to any the project does not already have, like the violin or bass guitar, he has people ready and able to step in and teach those.

You can contact Louw directly on cell number 079 025 4572, to find out about how to either drop off any donations or to have them collected.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview