Orlando West’s only dedicated arts and culture school for children is nurturing talent, preserving heritage, and keeping youth safe — one creative session at a time.
In the heart of Orlando West, a remarkable organisation is quietly shaping the futures of the area’s youngest residents. Mbuyisa School of Arts and Culture stands as the only institution in the community that nurtures children’s talents from as early as five years of age. For two decades, it has offered a safe, creative, and empowering environment where young people can discover who they are — and who they can become.
“Kids are very creative when given a conducive environment. This space allows them to express themselves freely. We are keeping them safe from the social ills that are rife in our area by nurturing their talents.”
— Mr. Tshepo Ramutumbu, Programme Coordinator
A Stage for Self-Expression
At Mbuyisa, traditional music and dance are at the core of the programme. Children are encouraged to embrace their cultural heritage through performance, and many find a natural home on the dance floor. Acting is equally popular, giving young participants an outlet to build confidence and storytelling skills.
The organisation also understands the financial realities facing most families in the area. “We understand that most families can’t afford to buy kids painting brushes and canvas,” Mr. Ramutumbu explains. “They get all sorts of paints and brushes they need, all the time, here at our organisation.” Every January, the school goes a step further — providing learners with stationery and school bags to support their broader education. Quarterly excursions also take the children beyond their usual surroundings, opening their eyes to the wider world and enriching their learning experience.
Growing Food, Growing Minds
One of the most hands-on aspects of the programme is urban farming, led by volunteer Mr. Kamohelo Matlho. Under his guidance, children learn how to prepare and fertilise soil before planting, and how to tend to their crops through every stage of growth — a practical education that connects them to nature and food security.
In their most recent harvest in January, the young farmers brought in tomatoes, spinach, and green peppers. Currently, the children are tending to tubers — carrots, sweet potatoes, and beetroot — which are expected to be ready for harvest after the winter season. These hands-on experiences not only teach agricultural skills but also instil responsibility, patience, and a sense of achievement.
From Kitchen Waste to Compost
Since the beginning of April this year, Ms. Phumelela Monoang has joined the Mbuyisa team as a volunteer, bringing with her a specialisation in environmental health and safety. Her sessions focus on composting — teaching children how to turn kitchen waste, particularly vegetable peels, into rich, usable manure.
“The kids are very warm-hearted and highly active. They are very inquisitive, and that’s a good challenge for me to teach them more. It really fulfils me daily to teach them. I love them to bits.”
— Ms. Phumelela Monoang, Volunteer
Her sessions complement the urban farming work and reinforce a culture of sustainability within the community.
A Community Investment that counts
Mbuyisa School of Arts and Culture represents far more than an extracurricular programme. It is a lifeline — a structured, loving environment where children from Orlando West can grow in ways that school alone cannot always provide. Through art, culture, farming, and environmental education, the organisation equips its young members with skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
“Our goal is to ensure that kids enjoy extramural activities with us,” says Mr. Ramutumbu. After twenty years of impact, it is clear that Mbuyisa is doing far more than that — it is helping build the next generation of creative, responsible, and grounded community members.
If you want your kids to join the Mbuyisa School of Arts and Culture, please contact
Mr. Tshepo Ramutumbu : 073 466 1168.
Address is 8270 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto