History and Social Background

An instrument of social change, The Marimba Education Foundation was formed in 2004 to promote the playing of the marimba in South Africa, particularly in under-resourced township and rural areas. Marimba playing is a medium of expression which appeals to the youth, crossing any social and racial barriers, and is an extraordinarily powerful vehicle for cross-cultural interaction and social cohesion.

Initiatives

MEF initiated and managed four marimba projects in Ekurhuleni in 2009 - 2010, sponsored by the National Heritage Council. These projects were situated as follows:

• Lethulwazi Comprehensive School, Vosloorus

• Stoneridge Primary School, Eden Park

• John Wesley Centre, Etwatwa Township

• Epworth Children's Village, Germiston

MEF initiated and managed eight marimba projects nationally in 2010-2011, sponsored by Lotto. These projects are situated as follows:

• Olympia Primary School, Heidedal, Bloemfontein

• Tenteleni Primary School, Kanyamazane, Nelspruit

• J.M.Ntsime School, Mogwase, Rustenburg

• Sakhisiszwe Senior Secondary School, Zwide, Port Elizabeth

• Mmanare Senior Secondary School. Polokwane

• Kwa Kristo Youth Centre, Kwa Mashu, Durban

• Luyolo Community Centre, Gugulethu, Cape Town

• Christ the King, Sophiatown, which has a satellite project at Lukholweni Primary School in Orlando, Soweto

MEF participated in a project run under the auspices of the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation involving:

• Naledi Senior Secondary School, Naledi, Soweto

• Leitsibolo Primary School, Tladi, Soweto

This project involved taking the learners from these schools through a marimba programme, which culminated in their performance at the Pale Ya Rona Carnival in Soweto. Great awareness was raised with the likelihood of an ongoing partnership with the Department.

Training Course Development

Absa is sponsoring the development of a Marimba Training Course, specifically aimed at equipping would-be marimba teachers to run and grow marimba projects in their communities. MEF aims to have the course fully accredited and is working with a number of well-respected teachers and musicians in order to achieve consensus in terms of best practice. Already a work in progress, this course will provide an important bridge for music novices into the world of marimba playing and music education. MEF thanks ABSA for supporting this vision.

The National Marimba Festival

The National Marimba Festivals has become a well established and much-loved event on the annual South African arts calendar. Over the six years during which MEF has hosted the Festival, we have been supported by close to one hundred schools and institutions from all over SA, with the attendance having risen to around 1000 participants annually.

While the Foundation's emphasis has always been on participation, the festival takes the form of a competition. This competitive aspect, together with the opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas, styles and repertoire, has pushed the standards of playing and the levels of creativity way beyond anyone's expectations.

The participants come from a range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. As a result, MEF has been able to meet our commitment to fostering nation-building and social cohesion.

The unprecedented success of the National Marimba Festival, has given MEF the leverage to pursue the mission and vision of the Foundation. Since 2009, significant funding has been procured, not only for the Festival itself, but for our broader aim of establishing marimba groups and promoting marimba playing in under-resourced areas.