Germiston man transforms his life through music

Fumanekile Shumane’s life is a testament to the transformative power of music.

Raised in the tough streets of Alexandra, Shumane faced a childhood marked by poverty and uncertainty.

“My childhood was not a wonderful one, but it was filled with love and support. Yet, poverty was harsh and forced me to fight for my survival,” Shumane said.

At the age of nine, Shumane resorted to hanging out with gangs as a means of survival.

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His father was not a reliable provider, and his mother, a housewife, struggled to make ends meet.

“I started hanging around gangs and stealing. When I had something, I would take it home for my siblings, but I always went back to the streets to get more,” he said.

This lifestyle eventually led to his arrest.

However, a turning point came when he met a social worker in court who offered to help him and his siblings.

“That meeting changed my life. My mother gave us her blessing to move to a home, believing it would offer us better opportunities,” Shumane said.

At the age of 13, Shumane was introduced to music, which became a pivotal moment in his life.

Despite academic struggles, he flourished in the arts, discovering a deep passion for music.

He joined the Music Academy of Gauteng, an NGO that provides arts education to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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“Music opened up my world. I found peace and purpose, and I vowed to use my love for the arts to change other lives,” Shumane said.

Now 40 years old, he teaches at iThembelihle LSEN School in Germiston, where he has spent the past two years inspiring learners through music.

“Teaching music to these children gives me profound joy and fulfillment. They have so much potential and music allows them to express themselves in ways words can’t,” Shumane explained.

He uses adaptive tools to help learners with disabilities find rhythm and joy in music.

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Reflecting on his journey, Shumane emphasised his desire to give hope to his students.

“I want these children to know they are capable of amazing things. Music saved my life, and now I see it changing theirs. It’s a gift I’m grateful to share every day,” he said.