About Inanda Seminary
Founded by the American Board of Missions (ABM) in 1869 the Inanda Seminary in Durban is one of the oldest girls' schools in South Africa, a private all-girls independent Christian boarding school. It was one of the first, and only, schools for black women in southern Africa at the time.
Did you know?At the turn of the century black women's education was not deemed important.
A missionary couple to South Africa, Daniel and Lucy Lindley, created the seminary for girls in response to the Adams School at the Adams mission in Amanzimtoti, which was already educating young black men. Their aim was to educate women to be these men's equal.
The Adams mission was notable not only for its school, but also for its role in the country's history, for it was here that another American missionary to South Africa, William Wilcox and his wife Ida met, and later 'adopted', the 16 year-old John Dube, whom they took to America to study.
The Wilcoxes, who also arranged for black South Africans to own land, were driven out of the country. They were awarded the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, in 2009, for having given so much for the South African people. John Dube went on to open his own school, start his own newspaper and become the first leader of what was to become the ANC.
The Inanda Seminary opened to educate its initial 19 girls at the cost of the American Missionary Board. Mary Kelly Edwards, the headteacher, served the school for almost sixty years.
When the Lindleys left the country four years after opening the school, they left the mission to Reverend James Dube, the son of one of the first converts of the mission. Dube died when his son, John Dube, was young.
A series of interviews by historian Meghan Healy-Clancy with alumni of the Inanda Seminary reveal how the values of the school – honesty, loyalty, respect, self-discipline, sociability and responsibility – were a way of life for students.
The apartheid years were difficult for the school. The government tried to enforce Bantu Education, then pulled visas of non-South African staff, forcing the large majority of American missionary teachers to leave. The school almost closed as a result, surviving only because of the support of the United Congregational Church of South Africa, giving the church a great deal of sway in the running of the school.
Inanda Seminary was taken back into private management by old students of the Seminary in the 1970s only to face further closure during the 1990s. A few of the school's 'old girls' approached Nelson Mandela, who convinced Sappi to invest in the school.
Today the school's beautiful old buildings and manicured gardens take on students from predominantly black upper class families, even though the school covers the cost of girls who cannot afford schooling. It is one of the better schools in the province.
Need to Know
WhereInanda Seminary, M25, Emachobeni, Inanda Mission, Inanda, 4310, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours
Telephone+27 (0)31 510-1011
OvernightStay in Inanda Township Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Inanda Township
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Durban

Coral Point 407
Coral Point 407 provides accommodation in Umdloti for two adults. The apartment boasts a balcony and views of the garden. The air-conditioned apa...

Kyalanga 73
Accommodating up to six guests, 73 Kyalanga is an elegant top-floor apartment nestled within a secure complex. Featuring three well-appointed bed...

Singatha Guesthouse
Singatha Guesthouse is a friendly bed and breakfast in Durban committed to quality service and attention. Situated in a quiet leafy cul-de-sac in...

Point Bay 408
Wake up to the sound of cruise liners, ships and magnificent views of the harbour mouth at Point Bay 408. Situated in the heart of Durban's Point...

Idwala Tides 104
Idwala Tides 104 is a spacious apartment offering holiday accommodation in Umdloti in the Cozumel complex, with a fantastic view of Umdloti's pop...

Sugar Beach 2A
Sugar Beach 2A is an apartment on the Umhlanga Coast, perfect for a family getaway or business trip. The apartment is located just 200m from Umdl...

Umhlanga Lodge
Located in La Lucia, Umhlanga Lodge offers accommodation in four separate rooms. The establishment has a large heated swimming pool as well as a ...

Sea Lodge 63
63 Sea Lodge is a stylish seafront holiday apartment perched on the sixth floor, offering accommodation for six guests, with breathtaking ocean v...

Licorna Beach 41
An elegantly furnished, holiday apartment offering accommodation for seven guests within the Licorna Beach complex in Umhlanga. This exclusive co...
Things to do in the area

Inanda Heritage Trail
If you are looking for something to do in Durban that takes you away from the beach to a valley with a mesmerising history, then take the guided ...

Phoenix Settlement
Only 25 minutes from Durban via the Ruth First Highway (M4), the Phoenix settlement (A South African Heritage site) was established in 1904 and t...

WowZulu Marketplace
If you have ever done the Inanda Heritage Route in Durban (and if you haven't, then you should seriously consider doing so) then you will have vi...
Accommodation convenient to Inanda Seminary
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Durban Accommodation / Inanda Township Accommodation