The programme contributes to job creation by offering targeted training and development of musicians.

The programme, which was initiated and developed during the 1990s by Bongani Tembe and initially implemented by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, was the first of its kind in Africa. In 2022 Mzansi Philharmonic assumed custodianship of this programme and is excited to be rolling it out nationally. A significant part of our budget is allocated to sustain this unique developmental programme, leading to job creation. 

CANDIDATE CRITERIA: 

The programme is specifically designed to harness promising orchestra players and is open to all South Africans, particularly those from historically disadvantaged communities, who are of a suitable playing standard and aim to become professional orchestral musicians. 

• Applicants must demonstrate a much better than average aptitude on their principal instrument, as well as a strong interest in playing in a professional orchestra, along with a background of involvement in music-related activities. 
• They should be either entering their junior or senior year of undergraduate study, recent university graduates, or pursuing graduate- level studies, achieving a minimum overall passing rate of 70%. (Candidates who are not enrolled in institutions of higher learning will be considered under exceptional circumstances). 

The programme provides opportunities for young and diverse audiences to access music, whilst attracting the interest of donors.

THE PROGRAMME OFFERS PARTICIPANTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO: 

• Work directly with professional musicians, learn from their experience, and establish how playing skills can be applied to the orchestral repertoire through hands-on activities and specific playing opportunities;
• Increase their knowledge and understanding of the practical details and processes involved in playing in a professional orchestra; and 
• Receive lessons in a one-to-one format from orchestra musicians, funded by the programme. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL RECEIVE: 

• Weekly lessons funded by Mzansi Philharmonic from principal members of the three regional professional orchestras;
• Weekly studio classes led by members of the three regional orchestras – KZN Philharmonic, Joburg Philharmonic and the Cape Town Philharmonic, as well as guest artists; 
• Weekly classes in music theory and ear training through music schools and university
  partnerships;
• A chance to perform in rehearsals and concerts with regional orchestras and the Mzansi Philharmonic; as well as other performance opportunities;
• Free tuition for performance and theory examinations through UNISA;
• Access to partner music schools (from each of the respective regional orchestras) for practising and chamber music; and
• Financial allocation, depending on their level and circumstances, may include payment for tuition, group coaching, stipends of up to R12 500 per month, and, in some cases, payment of university fees. 

One of the strengths of the programme is its dual mentorship component. Several times per week, a cadet will work with an orchestra member to whom she or he has been assigned, learning directly from one of the field’s top professionals. The Artistic Director and/or Orchestra Manager of the Mzansi Philharmonic and respective orchestra will serve as an external mentor to the cadet, in the other mentorship role. 

At the conclusion of each academic year, all relevant stakeholders will monitor and evaluate the learning experience and the cadetship programme as a whole. Cadets will also be given the opportunity to audition for positions in professional orchestras. 

In addition to the many individual benefits outlined above, the performing arts gain a great deal. The continued success of orchestral music in our country is dependent on musicians, funding and patronage. 

OUR CURRENT CADETS INCLUDE

Ofentse Segale

is originally from Soweto and was awarded a cadetship in 2024. She is currently studying a Bachelors Degree in Music, mastering in bassoon, at the University of Cape Town under the tutelage of Brandon Phillips.

Sunday Kelechi (cello) 

Nwuko Sunday Kelechi is a Nigerian cellist born in Lagos. He began playing the cello at age 13 in his local church before moving to South Africa to pursue further studies at Stellenbosch University. In 2025, he relocated to Durban to join the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s Cadetship Programme. Sunday is passionate about adding value to the classical music landscape and aspires to serve as an uplifting source of inspiration for other young aspiring musicians following in his footsteps

Robert de Vries (flute)

Robert de Vries began music studies in the New Apostolic Church and Beau Soleil Music Centre. He holds a Performance Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma from UCT, having also completed an exchange program in Vienna under Prof. Hansgeorg Schmeiser. A prize winner at the Sir James Galway Flute Festival, Robert has played with the Cape Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, the South African National Youth Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, and on an ad-hoc basis for both the CPO and KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.

Nicola Botha (violin)

Nicole Botha completed her ABRSM Grade 8 violin examinations and is currently working towards a Performance Licentiate through the ABRSM Diploma series. She served as the concertmaster for the Cape Town Youth Orchestra from 2017 to 2024 and performed as an ad-hoc violinist for the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. In January 2025, Nicole relocated to Durban to join the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s Cadetship Programme, where she continues her professional orchestral development and high-level training.

Clara de la Guerre (cello)

Clara de la Guerre (23) is a cellist from Cape Town based in Durban. She graduated Cum Laude with a BMus in Performance from Stellenbosch University in 2025. Winner of the 2023 Edna Elphick Cello Prize, Clara has led cello sections for the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra. In 2025, her string quartet won First Prize at the South African String Quartet Competition, earning them a featured concert series performance in Gqeberha in April 2026.

Sifiso Mbatha

was a student of the ARCO project in Soweto, receiving tutalage online from Griff Wadkin and in person from Daliwonga Tshangela. He was later accepted to study music at the University of Stellenbosch where he is currently a student of Peter Martens.

Kamogelo Madonsela (French Horn)

Kamogelo Madonsela (22) is a young musician from Middelburg, Mpumalanga. He began playing French horn in Grade 10 at Middelburg Music School, completing his grade examinations in 2023. Currently studying Music Performance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he performed Strauss’s Horn Concerto No. 1 with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra at the 144th Young Artist Concerto Festival in 2025. Kamogelo is presently performing with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, expanding his professional orchestral experience and musicianship through its Cadetship Programme.

Kamohelo Ramaipone

Kamohelo has recently completed his grade 8 trumpet studies through Trinity College. Playing both trumpet and french horn, Kamo also has his grade 5 in french horn. He has performed both instruments as part of the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra, joining the KZNPO’s Cadetship Programme as a trumpeter in March 2024, receiving lessons from Yosuke Matsui.

Paballo Tejane (trumpet)

Paballo Tejane is a trumpeter from Gauteng’s Vaal region who began playing in church. Self-taught initially, he later studied at the University of the Free State’s Odeion School of Music, winning Best Brass Player in 2024 and Best Music Education Student in 2025. A dedicated community tutor, Paballo was selected as principal trumpet for the 2025 Stellenbosch Chamber Music Festival. He continues to build a dynamic career combining artistic orchestral performance with a strong commitment to youth music development.