GERMANY - Goosebumps with the Masifunde Youth Choir
2026-06-17
Goosebumps in Xhosa
The Masifunde Youth Choir‘s 75-minute concert was a tour through a breathtaking world of music that gave its audience goosebumps. On June 16, 2026, twenty young people between the ages of 14 and 18 from Walmer Township in South Africa shared the power of their singing, filling the space with their unamplified voices. Their music is unbelievably melodious and touches listeners profoundly, even when they do not understand their lyrics: these teenagers sing in their native language Xhosa. Their music speaks for itself. It is moving and entrances everyone who hears it.
Their concert was rounded out by a short film which played as the choir sang. Nearly 200 audience members saw images about the beauty of South Africa as well as the reality of living in the Township, the teenagers’ everyday lives and the encouraging work that Masifunde pursues. For many years, the Umckaloabo Foundation, set up by Schwabe in 2010, has supported the organization’s efforts; in 2026 the Foundation even placed the focus of the Africa Runners’ project “A School In Africa” on Masifunde.
Be the change
The choir makes clear what Masifunde means for the children in the Township. These young people can sing with such power and expression because they are talented musicians – and because Masifunde gives them courage and confidence that there is a gift in every child. Each one of them is full of potential. Choir directors Lesego Mkhwanazi and Siba Sarabi give them space and the professional support to develop their innate potential. And bold young people who know what they are worth can change society. This is Masifunde’s goal: to turn children and adolescents into changemakers. Don’t wait for change: be the change! Including in your own life.
A space with magnificent acoustics and a place to come together
Before and after the concert, there were opportunities for the young singers, the supporters of the Umckaloabo Foundation and the many Schwabe employees present to spend time together. St. Hedwig’s church had magnificent acoustics for the Masifunde Youth Choir’s dynamic music, and the square in front of the church and the congregation hall were the ideal place for people to engage in dialogue on this summery warm evening. Another sign that the choir’s music and Masifunde’s work created a major impression: over 1,800 euros came together for the elementary school in Walmer Township, our 2026 “School in Africa.”
Masifunde – for greater opportunities in the Township
June 16th is also the anniversary of the 1976 Soweto student uprising against the racist apartheid regime, an event which marked the beginning of the end of racial segregation in South Africa. To this day, the lines which separate black and white are visible and tangible. That makes Masifunde’s work all the more important as it offers excellent educational opportunities to organization even supports rising entrepreneurs.
Thank you!
Time and again, the Foundation can rely on the support of many dedicated volunteers who make events like this possible. By opening their homes to the young singers and their four chaperones, the host families created opportunities for genuine cultural exchange—and experienced those enriching encounters themselves.