GQEBERHA – Greenwood Primary School, St George’s Park, will soon be the proud owner of a state-of-the-art music centre thanks to a R14 million sponsorship from Germany.

It promises to be one of the best of its kind in South Africa.

In August 2024, German businessman and arts supporter, Alexander Valentin, learnt about the programme and made contact with the school, beginning what would become a transformative partnership.

Recognising the lack of resources and facilities at Greenwood, Valentin generously pledged R14 million towards the construction of a brand-new music department building through the Alexander Music Project, a registered NPO dedicated to advancing music education and development.

Chairperson of the NPO, Wilmie Jooste, has expressed great passion for working alongside Greenwood’s Music Department, citing its outstanding track record of excellence and commitment to the arts.

The music department has also received sponsorship from the German Consulate in Cape Town for the purchase and addition of string instruments and a piano, further strengthening the school’s growing arts programme.

Valentin has been a long-time lover of the arts, specifically classical music, having sponsored the Cape Town Philharmonic before sponsoring the Alexander Music Award, which was a competition for composers.

He wanted classical music to grow in the Eastern Cape, and he identified Greenwood’s music department as one of the leading music departments in the Eastern Cape, where he saw the lack of resources and wanted to help where he could.

Libongo Ntuli, head of music, said, “I’m excited to announce the official commencement of construction of the new Alexander Music Centre building on the Greenwood school campus.

“The school’s music department offers learners exposure to a wide range of instruments, including wind and percussion instruments such as the trumpet, saxophone and drum kit, as well as newly introduced string and piano programmes.

“Despite ongoing financial challenges that have limited opportunities to tour and participate in music competitions across South Africa, the department has continued to flourish.”

Under Ntuli’s leadership, the music department has experienced exponential growth, creating a pressing need for additional music classrooms and facilities.

The expansion of the department has included the introduction of two new marimba bands, a string orchestra, a full orchestra, a choir, and the appointment of four additional music staff members to accommodate the increasing number of learners participating in music.

Three of these teachers have been hired through the Alexander Music Programme. This remarkable growth has transformed the department into one of the leading school music programmes in the region.

The new Alexander Music Centre will feature six fully functioning classrooms, a Head of Department office, and a state-of-the-art auditorium.

In a heartfelt tribute, Ntuli has chosen to name the auditorium after his predecessor, Jackie Barnardo, who successfully led the music department before he assumed leadership in 2023.

The department’s mission remains focused on building a community of musicians dedicated to excellence in musicianship, personal growth, and the advancement of music education in South Africa.

The year 2025 has been especially successful, with collaborations featuring renowned artists such as Dumza Maswana and the a cappella group, Legato, while securing sponsorship from Valentin has been a major highlight.

Over the years, the department has also gained national recognition through appearances on SABC, performances on Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Sunday Jazz show, hosted by Dumza Maswana, and collaborations with South African arts legends, Professor Dizu Plaatjies and Siya Makhuzeni.

School Principal Karl Lokotsch expressed immense pride in the achievements of the music department and excitement for the promising venture ahead.

Ntuli extended heartfelt gratitude to the Greenwood parent body, the Greenwood family, school management, the School Governing Body and the teachers for their unwavering support throughout the journey.

He also acknowledged the Eastern Cape Department of Education for supporting the initiative to build the new centre.

Ntuli also paid tribute to his dedicated music staff, describing them as his “rock” and commending their tireless efforts in helping secure the funding alongside the learners. The music staff includes Chadley Johnson, Matthew Shone, Nande Mzaidume, Abongile Sihawu, Russel Sneyd, Sihle Kakancu, Marichen Meyer and Danielle Munro.

Thembela Architects are heading the construction, with contractor Dekon Projects and quantity surveyors, Johnston and Williams.

Anyone or any business wishing to contribute towards this inspiring initiative and the continued growth of the Alexander Music Centre can contact Ntuli via email at lntuli@greenwoodschool.co.za.

Through this remarkable support and recognition, hope, creativity, and confidence continue to flourish within a school community that has long faced limited resources and opportunities, proving the lasting power of music to inspire and uplift.

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