Drakensberg Boys Choir honours founder John Tungay with moving musical tribute

The Drakensberg Boys Choir has paid a touching tribute to its founder, John Tungay, who passed away on Sunday, 22 March 2026. The KwaZulu-Natal-based choir dedicated its rendition of Mzwandile Mabuza’s ‘Duduz’umoya Wami’ to Tungay and his family, expressing deep gratitude for his vision and lifelong commitment to music, education, and faith. Founded in 1967, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School was born from Tungay’s dream to combine rigorous academics with musical excellence. Converting his family farm in Cathkin Valley into a school, Tungay started with just 60 boys and soon established one of South Africa’s most recognised cultural institutions. Under his leadership, the choir became known internationally for its musical artistry and its role in shaping generations of disciplined, compassionate young men. In a statement, the choir described Tungay as a visionary whose belief in the transformative power of music gave rise to an enduring legacy. Drakondale School of the Arts, which Tungay co-founded with Wendy Clarke in 2017, also paid tribute, praising his unwavering dedication to education and youth empowerment. They highlighted his emphasis on integrity, perseverance, and service, values that continue to resonate in both schools he established. As South Africans mourn his passing, many celebrate the life of a man who turned a dream in the Drakensberg into a gift that continues to uplift communities and carry South Africa’s music across the world.