If you have visited Bulungula Lodge, you likely remember Lwando Mdibanto and his epic drumming around the bonfire under the stars. Growing up next to the Lodge, Lwando was drawn to those gatherings from a young age.
Lindile Mthiyo, now Bulungula Incubator’s Finance Manager and formerly a manager and tour guide at the Lodge, remembers playing drums with the other guides. They learned from one another, visiting drummers and Lodge guests, and Lwando was always there, eager to join in.
As he grew older, Lwando developed his own techniques and soon began leading the group. He became the Lodge’s lead drummer and a regular community performer, also teaching lessons to visiting tourists.
In 2025, Lwando had an opportunity to develop his talent further through an internship with Drumstruck in Cape Town, supported by our Job Skills and Entrepreneurship Programme (JSEP).
At the end of his internship this year, Drumstruck offered Lwando a job, and he is now performing at various gigs and shows as part of the team. Along the way, he has enjoyed learning to play other instruments, meeting new people and travelling to different places.
We are so incredibly proud of Lwando. This is what JSEP is all about, supporting our young people to realise their dreams.
Learn more about our Job Skills and Entrepreneurship Programme in our JSEP overview.
