Programme Director; Bishops, the leadership of St John Life and Success Apostolic Church; the leadership of the Tumahole Youth Brass Band; Foundation Manager Ms Nthabiseng Molejane; representatives of participating brass bands from across our country; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, and most importantly the young people gathered here:

Molweni, dumelang, re lebohe. It is both a privilege and a deep honour to stand before you during this month when Tumahole remembers July 1984, an important chapter in the struggle history of our town. Today we are not only celebrating music – we are celebrating leadership, purpose and the immense potential within our youth.

Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to the Right Reverend Archbishop Nhlapo for inviting me to address you. When I received the invitation, I did not hesitate, even though my doctors recently placed me on medical rest. I am a member of the Zion Christian Church, a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ, and my upbringing taught me to honour the Church and respect those who lead it. When a man of honour calls on you to serve, you respond.

Personal journey: from a 14‑year‑old boy to a leader

Looking at me now – the chairperson of a foundation, a media professional, and a communicator who works with business and government leaders – it may be hard to imagine that a few decades ago I was an unknown teenager in Tumahole. I was born and raised in this community in a home where faith was central. My parents took me to church and instilled in me the discipline and fear of God. At 14, I had little status; I was just a boy with a church and a belief.

That spiritual grounding preserved my character. I chose to participate in church activities instead of following friends into taverns or experimenting with alcohol. By staying within church boundaries, I avoided temptations that could have derailed my life. My parents taught me that alcohol can destroy families and careers – many professionals have lost their jobs due to alcohol abuse. I am now 37, and I have never consumed alcohol. That choice did not make me less of a man; instead, it allowed me to maintain focus on education and service.

The Church did more than teach me morals; it provided a community. When my business projects faced difficulties, congregants prayed for me. When social media rumours circulated, elders interceded on my behalf. As Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane once reminded us: “Respect cannot be bought, you earn it. If you humble yourself, people will respect you. If you approach people with an attitude of ‘do you know who I am?’, nobody will listen to you.” Knowing when to use your position and when to serve is a lesson the church instils.

Tumahole Month and the rent boycott of July 1984

We gather during Tumahole Month, commemorating the rent protests that erupted on 15 July 1984. Back then, the Tumahole Student Organisation (TSO) had mobilised residents after the town council announced a 40 percent rent increase. On 15 July 1984, TSO leaders led a march through the township to protest the hike. The police demanded that protesters disperse and then opened fire with rubber bullets and tear gas, provoking widespread unrest . Shops were burned, suspects were arrested and at least one person died. Those protests – led by young people – sparked similar uprisings across South Africa and demonstrated the power of collective action .

The earlier community boycotts of July 1984 were also strategic. In Tumahole, youth-led groups called for a boycott of the mayor’s supermarket and butchery to oppose the planned rent increase and to demand his resignation from the community council. This selective boycott, organised by the Tumahole Students Organisation, succeeded in forcing the mayor to step down after a combination of the boycott, police violence and the death of a youth in custody . These boycotts taught residents that non‑violent economic protests could secure political concessions.

Understanding this history is important because it reveals that transformation often begins with young people who refuse to accept injustice. We honour the bravery of those students, many of whom were not much older than some of you sitting here today.

The role of the Church in shaping character

Why do I emphasise my background so much? Because my church upbringing made me the person I am today. My respect for elders, discipline, humility and service all flow from church teachings. Without the structure and support of my faith community, I might not be standing here. The prayers of the church, the sermons about integrity and the hymns that still echo in my heart have shaped my leadership style.

Church life teaches us to delay gratification and practise self‑control. It teaches us that true success comes from service, not from titles. The Zion Christian Church emphasises prayer, hard work and generosity. When we say, “Motho ke motho ka batho,” we recognise that our humanity is tied to one another.

My professional journey

People often ask me what I do for a living. My career spans communications, public relations and media management. I am a PR specialist. I help organisations and individuals build and maintain reputations. I have worked with billionaires, millionaires, mayors, ministers and private companies. I also founded Central News, one of South Africa’s leading digital news platforms. Through Central News, we tell stories that matter and provide jobs in our community.

Another initiative I started is the Ngwathe Experience, an annual programme that creates employment for hundreds of residents through tourism and cultural activities. Last year, our foundation invested over R2.3 million into the Easter edition of the Ngwathe Experience, contributing to local economic development.

The Edgar Legoale Foundation

The Edgar Legoale Foundation exists because I believe that no young person should be limited by their circumstances. We invest in education, youth development, leadership training, sports, arts and culture. Some of our programmes include Project 100 Schools (providing desks and resources), school shoe campaigns, school uniform distribution, youth motivation programmes, sporting tournaments and support for local artists and brass bands.

Our philosophy is simple: if you empower one young person, you uplift an entire family and, by extension, a community. Through the foundation, we also provide small business support. We encourage youth to apply for government opportunities such as the Youth Fund by the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), funds from Ngwathe Local Municipality, Fezile Dabi District Municipality, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Department of Small Business Development. When you face challenges, our foundation can assist in navigating bureaucratic hurdles.

To our local government leaders, I urge you to prioritise small and micro‑enterprises in procurement, reduce red tape and make application procedures transparent. Empowering local service providers keeps money circulating within Ngwathe and creates employment.

The power of music and arts

Today we celebrate the Tumahole Youth Brass Band and the arts. Research shows that music education does far more than entertain. Learning an instrument develops discipline, focus and time management. Children who practise music understand that success results from consistent effort and planning . Group music activities, such as playing in a band or choir, teach young people to collaborate, listen, cooperate and compromise . These social skills are essential for strong relationships and effective teamwork. Music also promotes mental and physical well‑being by reducing stress and improving concentration .

Beyond individual benefits, arts and culture preserve heritage and strengthen community identity. Cultural institutions invest in artists and storytellers who keep traditions alive, foster belonging and drive economic activity. According to research, investing in arts ecosystems preserves heritage, strengthens community identity and creates economic opportunities . When we support initiatives like the Tumahole Youth Brass Band, we strengthen our community’s cultural fabric and build pride in who we are.

Leadership and purpose

Young people, leadership is not a title; it is a behaviour. True leaders lead by example. They choose honesty over dishonesty, discipline over excuses, respect over arrogance and service over selfishness. People are watching you even when you think they aren’t. Lead in a way that inspires others to become better because they encountered you.

Discover your purpose. God has placed unique talents in each of you. Your gift is not accidental; it is a responsibility. Use your talents to serve others and improve your community. Education and talent must go hand in hand: talent may open a door, but education, discipline and character keep it open. Continue learning. Read books, attend workshops, research business opportunities and develop life skills.

Entrepreneurship and innovation

South Africa needs innovators and job creators. Become entrepreneurs, educators, engineers, doctors, musicians, journalists and community leaders. Use the resources available to you. If you have a business idea, research it thoroughly. Apply for funding from institutions like SEFA, NYDA and municipal programmes. Engage with our foundation if you encounter obstacles.

As entrepreneurs, remember that integrity and accountability are non‑negotiable. Do not cut corners; respect contracts; treat employees with dignity; pay suppliers on time; and deliver quality products or services. Entrepreneurs with strong ethics build sustainable businesses and inspire others.

Positive role models

Reject drugs, crime and violence. Substance abuse promises quick pleasure but brings long‑term pain. We call on the government to ban alcohol advertising because we have seen alcohol ruin lives. Choose friends who uplift you. Respect yourself, your family and your community. Your choices today shape your tomorrow.

If there is one thing I have learned, it is that people matter. I love people because there were individuals who loved me and supported me when I had nothing. I stand here because someone believed in me. Be that person for someone else.

Bringing prayer back into schools

Our communities face many challenges: violence, drugs, teenage pregnancy and unemployment. One way to address these social ills is to reintroduce moral and spiritual education in schools. Prayer cultivates humility, gratitude and compassion. When children learn to pray, they develop a sense of accountability to something greater than themselves. The Church should partner with the Department of Education to support spiritual programmes that complement formal education.

Appreciation and commitment

As part of Tumahole Month celebrations, we will host a church leaders’ appreciation gala dinner to honour the role the Church plays in society. Our foundation recognises that we need more churches than taverns. We call on the government to allocate land to church organisations for community development projects.

Today, on behalf of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, I am donating R10 000 to St John Life and Success Apostolic Church and the Tumahole Youth Brass Band to continue uplifting young people. We believe in this church because it invests in youth. I instruct our foundation manager to ensure that whenever our programmes require a brass band, we book the Tumahole Youth Brass Band, just as we did during last year’s tournament. Let this partnership grow.

Closing message

To every brass band represented here, thank you for your dedication. You practise countless hours to produce harmonious music. You embody discipline, teamwork and excellence. Continue developing your gifts and representing your communities with pride.

To our young people, hold on to your spiritual journey and hold on to your God. Your background does not determine your future. The history of Tumahole shows that young people can transform society. Use your talents to build, not destroy. Become entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, teachers and leaders. Seek education and training.

When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of our communities. The Edgar Legoale Foundation remains committed to supporting programmes that promote education, leadership, sport, arts and culture because these are powerful tools for building stronger communities.

May God bless you, and may God bless South Africa. Thank you.