Historic Soweto institution relaunches with renewed hope for township creatives
By THABO MOTLHABI
Funda Community College is entering a new chapter, with renewed hopes of nurturing Black talent and restoring its place in Soweto’s educational and creative history.
The historic institution was relaunched on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at its College Hall in Diepkloof Zone 6, bringing together community members, activists, veterans and stakeholders committed to reviving its legacy.
Established in 1984, Funda emerged after the 1976 Soweto student uprising, when many young people were disconnected from formal education. It was the brainchild of the late Professor Es’kia Mphahlele, a celebrated South African writer, educator and scholar who served as its first board chairperson.
Mphahlele championed education and creative expression as tools to empower Black communities.
REBUILDING A LEGACY
Rector and executive director Dr Tshepo Mvulane Moloi reflected on the institution’s difficult history and its renewed mission.
“By 2008, Funda Community College had been reduced to that prefab. The library was emptied — one book left. But the people who stayed did not stay for pay, because they knew what this place was for,” he said.
Dr Moloi outlined three promises guiding the institution’s turnaround to 2031: restoring music, theatre and dance; recognising heritage as the currency of the future; and turning words into action.
“Our work is to be worthy of that bill. Funda is not reopening. It’s returning,” he said.
ROOTS OF CREATIVITY
Activist and veteran Lindumuzi Mngoma took attendees down memory lane, recalling how Mphahlele and his associates promoted creative education.
“In 1959, they started the Orlando Music Society, which offered music, poetry, drama, literature, speech and dance,” Mngoma said.
He explained that the apartheid regime banned the society and seized its property, but efforts to continue teaching eventually helped lay the foundation for Funda Community College.
The relaunch also included a tour showcasing historical paintings and artworks preserved at the institution.
For the community, the challenge now is to turn renewed enthusiasm into sustainable programmes, partnerships and opportunities for emerging artists and township creatives.
Funda’s revival seeks to honour its founders’ vision while creating space for future generations to develop their talents and build sustainable livelihoods.
