The CMDA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing free musical education and creative opportunities to the youth through partnerships with schools, churches, and government bodies in underserved communities.
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This difficult decision follows a period of extreme hardship characterised by exhausted operational funding and a catastrophic fire at the academy’s head office.
The fire resulted in the total loss of the CMDA administrative hub and recording/practising studio. Crucially, the blaze caused the destruction of and damage to several musical instruments and technical equipment stored on-site. Without these assets or the immediate capital required for repairs and replacements, the academy is currently unable to maintain its programmes or its standard of musical education for the youth of Mpumalanga.
As a result of this suspension, all afternoon lessons conducted at various hub partner locations – including The Salvation Army in Pienaar, Embonisweni Primary School, Good Work Foundation, Sinani Centre in Zwelisha and in Masoyi – will cease on the effective date.
“The Board of CMDA is not disbanding,” says Hilton Barnett of the CMDA. “We are pivoting our focus toward intensive fundraising and resource mobilisation. It is our firm intention to secure the necessary funding to repair damaged equipment, replace lost and old equipment, rebuild our infrastructure, and grow as a sustainable organisation. We remain hopeful for a future relaunch that will allow us to continue serving our community.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our staff, students, parents, and partners – specifically the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and individuals such as Wendy Palmer, Big Sky Travel, and BackaBuddy and GoFundMe donors – for their unwavering dedication and financial backing over the years. The academy will ensure all final reporting and compliance requirements are met with current donors before the suspension date,” he says.
How to help:
CMDA’s public fundraising campaign is live here.
