Acts of kindness ends in a beautiful melody for UFH Music student

A kind gesture by a former UFH staff, Prof Cheryl Nikodem to donate to the University’s Music Department led to a tear-jerking moment when a student on the receiving end could not contain his tears of joy.

Yesterday, the former Professor from our Faculty of Health Sciences donated a piano to the Music Department. This act of kindness did not end there. This after the Head of the Music Department, Mr Nduduzo Makhathini decided to gift the donation to a deserving student,  Phelelani Myende.

“The piano belonged to my daughter and she suggested that we donate it to the Music school to benefit someone who might need it. It is with great pleasure that we were able to fill someone’s heart with love and joy. I am sure, with this piano, he will be able to take his passion for music much further.”

Phelelani, a third-year student who is originally from Port Shepstone, KwaZulu Natal said he was in disbelief when he was handed over the piano.

“I am so happy and grateful. It all happened so fast, I was just coming from class when I received a call from Mr Makhathini that he wanted to see me. At first I was concerned because I have never been called to the HOD’s office.”

“When I finally realized what was happening, I couldn’t believe it. I was overwhelmed with emotions. This piano will definitely enable me to spend more hours doing what I love – Music,” said Phelelani who majors in jazz music.

Speaking about his love for music, Phelelani said music fulfills his soul. “It makes me feel confident and it enriches my life. I grew up in a Christian family and we enjoyed singing. From where I am from, music connects people, in various ways.”

Phelelani enrolled at UFH after completing a Diploma in Sound Engineering from a TVET College based in KZN.

Mr Makhathini says this gesture is a reminder that it takes a village to raise a child. “This kind of thinking could liberate institutions, in a sense that while we are doing all this formal teaching in a university, there are communities that can play significant roles in helping us raise these kids, academically and in many ways.”