United by pride in their alma mater, Inanda Seminary alumni from across SA have joined forces to restore their historic girls’ school.
Determined to preserve its legacy, they are launching an endowment fund to repair crumbling buildings, support teachers and expand access for future generations of girls through bursaries and quality education.
Founded in 1869, Inanda Seminary, situated north of Durban, is one of the country’s oldest schools.
Leading the campaign are alumni and trustees, including Thandi Orleyn, Thoko Mpumlwana, Zama Mkosi, Tina Eboka, Dudu Fadudze, Khanya Mtlare, Nomahlubi Mzwai, Sibusiso Kganyago, Simone Miller and Siphokazi Koyana.
Orleyn, a retired advocate who matriculated at Inanda in 1974, said the school’s infrastructure reflected years of neglect.
“There are crumbling walls, broken facilities and poor maintenance,” she said.
“Inanda Seminary is one of the oldest schools in the country, founded as a black girls’ school at a time when such opportunities were almost unheard of.
“Why should we bury this legacy? Black people have things of value they can build on; this is ours.”
For Orleyn, whose mother and grandmother also attended Inanda, resilience defines the school.
“In 1994, when many families who could afford it began sending their children to private and Model C schools, Inanda was struggling, but it survived — that’s the legacy it endured.”
She said education remained the key to tackling poverty and inequality.
“If you look at Inanda’s alumni, you see women leading across different classes and sectors all over the world. That is why preserving it matters.”
Recognising that short-term fundraising is not enough, the group has opted to set up an endowment fund.
“Fundraisers are limited and other schools, many younger than Inanda, already have huge endowments. If we want to keep Inanda strong, we need the same,” Orleyn said.
The fund is being launched on October 9 with a golf day in Johannesburg, supported by sponsorships and an auction.
The Inanda alumni are also investing in leadership development through Kanyisa Inanda, a mentorship programme to train in-service teachers and recent graduates.
“An institution cannot survive on operations alone,” Orleyn said.
“Teachers are the production line, but we also need leaders with vision to take Inanda into the future.”
For Mpumlwana, who matriculated in 1971 and now chairs the steering committee for the golf day, the mission is as much about spirit as infrastructure.
“We belonged together. Even when food was scarce, we shared everything. We learnt to care for one another, to live life together and to support each other,” she said.
“It’s not just about bricks and mortar. It is about values, the bonds we formed and the lessons we carry with us.
“That is what we want to build on for future generations.”
Through fundraising, mentorship and community, the alumni aim to ensure Inanda Seminary continues to empower young women as it has for more than 150 years.
Daily Dispatch
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