A legacy of excellence reaffirmed.
Despite the rain and cold on Sunday, 16th November, members of the Inanda Seminary Alumnae Association (ISAA) gathered in Sandton, Johannesburg, for their 10th Annual General Meeting, which was followed by an exquisite high tea.
They met in the warm, elegant studio of the renowned fashion designer Fred and fabric manufacturer Tina Eboka, the co-founder of Hertex Fabrics, an accomplished alumna who honed her craft in Philadelphia, USA.
Among the 40 alumnae in attendance were the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nomalungelo Gina and Adv. Thandi Orleyn, on whom the prestigious University of Fort Hare recently conferred an Honorary Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa. Other alumnae joined online. The well-known fashion designer, Ms. Nandipha Madikiza, attended on behalf of the Orlando High Alumni Association, to observe and learn from what ISAA has accomplished in the past decade.
High tea, a feast of friendship
This special afternoon was imbued with a sense of pride, reflection, and renewed purpose. In a delightful show of unity, the members, as Inanda students and alumnae are fondly called, turned the high tea into a feast of friendship, with some contributing charcuterie cups, cheese boards, fruit platters, confectionery, teas and coffee, wine, and even champagne – treats that reflected the warmth, generosity, and shared joy of their enduring sisterhood.
In that intimate yet powerful setting, Dr. Siphokazi Koyana delivered her Chairperson’s address, summarising her two consecutive and highly impactful terms of leadership as an outgoing Chairperson. These past six transformative years of service were not only to the alumnae but, more importantly, to the black girls of South Africa.
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation Nomalungelo Gina (left) with Inanda Seminary alumnae at the AGM
A bright light that never dims
Since 1869, Inanda Seminary, an independent girls’ secondary school, has stood as a sanctuary of academic excellence, discipline and moral grounding. Yet what has unfolded under Dr. Koyana’s leadership has breathed new life into this historic institution. Her message was not one of accolades, but of gratitude — gratitude for an alumnae community that has refused to let the Seminary’s light flicker, even in the face of adversity.
Achievements define the next chapter
One of the most symbolic achievements of her tenure has been the collective fundraising effort, which produced a new school hall. Partnerships forged during her stewardship are now redefining what the next chapter of the Seminary will look like. The Durban University of Technology’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment encouraged its students to design a brand-new hostel — a gift of vision, skill, and hope for hundreds of future learners who will once again call these grounds home.
While the alumnae’s contributions from their own pockets, companies, and Trust have increased steadily over the past few years, corporate South Africa has also stepped forward with generosity. Italtile recently donated beautiful Kilimanjaro tiles to restore and upgrade the bathroom facilities, ensuring that the dignity and hygiene of the students remain central.
Generosity that goes a long way
This donation came after Italtile had already contributed almost R2m towards bursaries over the past four years. Investec Bank, the Phembani Group, VW (SA), Toyota (SA), and Peotona Development are just some of the other corporates that have contributed towards upgrading the ageing infrastructure or providing bursaries. Non-profit organisations such as Zenex Foundation, Raise the Children, and Imbeleko Foundation have also been strong partners. For economically disadvantaged learners — this support has meant one thing: the difference between a life of limitation and a life of possibility.
The Class of 1985 in attendance (L-R) Dr Nozizwe Maneli, Vuyolwethu Ncwaiba, Dr Siphokazi Koyana and Hlengiwe Sibisi.
A fundraiser on the course
Equally notable was the success of the Inaugural Endowment Fund Golf Day, which the alumnae held at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate last month. Through sheer commitment and collaboration, the event raised funds to establish a strong foundation for long-term financial sustainability — ensuring Inanda Seminary will continue to nurture future generations of women leaders.
To keep the community connected, informed, and inspired, Koyana has consistently published a vibrant biannual alumnae newsletter whose circulation has increased yearly. It showcases student achievements, school projects, alumnae triumphs, a photo gallery and the heartbeat of a school that never stops striving for excellence.
Dr Siphokazi Koyana (right) with Thandeka Mvakali with whom she studied at Smith College, USA, in the late 1980s after Inanda Seminary
Why your daughter should be at Inanda Seminary
The girls enrolled at the school come from all over South Africa, from rural and peri-urban areas to Johannesburg. The school has been ranked among the top 10 schools in KwaZulu-Natal for a few years now, having obtained a 100% pass rate in eight out of the past 10 years.
The Class of 2024 obtained a 98.3% pass, with 95% Bachelor passes. Overall, there was an average of 2.53 distinctions per student. There was a 100% pass in Accounting, Business Studies, History, Geography, Maths Lit, Life Sciences, English, and isiZulu. 83% of students achieved an A for isiZulu (HL or FAL). 17% of the class achieved A-aggregates. 93% achieved a C-aggregate or higher.
Where girls are shaped and shone
Many black girls in our country face complex and compounding challenges. Many live in environments marked by poverty, family instability, and limited access to essential resources needed to succeed academically. Additional obstacles include gender-based violence, crime, and limited emotional support.
In a world that is increasingly uncertain, Inanda Seminary remains a place where girls are shaped with discipline, compassion, faith, and academic rigour. It is a school where a shy child finds her voice, where an uncertain girl finds her purpose, and where every learner is reminded that she is destined for greatness.
Inanda’s alumnae are trailblazers across all disciplines, from medicine, engineering, and finance to education, business, and politics. This, in essence, is the school where girls learn to shine!
Inanda alumnae from the matric Class of 2009. (left to right) Nokwanda Mfuphi, Nhlanhla Mayaba, Philisiwe Mthimkhulu, Thandeka Magagula, Buhlebuyeza Motsemme and Nonsuku Zimuto (Image supplied)
Affordable education – qualities that last
Fees in 2025 are R89 500, including boarding, food, and other essential services. That makes this extraordinary school an excellent, cost-effective option for students to receive a world-class education within an environment which promotes an African ethos. Compared to government ex-Model C schools, where additional costs for transport, meals, and utilities can push annual expenses over R100 000, Inanda provides an affordable option and all-inclusive solution.
The Seminary is also very active in sports and other extracurricular activities. There is a very wide range of sporting codes, from swimming to touch rugby. Some of the girls even play in provincial teams. Parents seeking a safe, nurturing, value-driven environment will find a home for their daughters in Inanda.
Beyond academics, the Seminary instils resilience, leadership, respect, and character — qualities that last far beyond school years.
We produce the country’s leaders
We are proud to mention that our eminent Inanda alumnae include Nonkululeko Nyembezi (the Chairman of the Standard Bank Group), Hixonia Nyasulu (former Chairwoman of Sasol), Prof. Ncoza Dlova (world renowned dermatologist and former Dean of the Medicine School at UKZN), Prof. Pamela Dube (Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Technology), Dr. Penny Moumakwa (Chancellor of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University), Xoliswa Kakana (ICT business leader and Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg who passed on last month), late Former Minister of Health Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Former National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete, late Dr Nelson Mandela’s Chief of Staff and the first Ambassador to France Dr. Barbara Masekela, and many more.
A message of hope and promise
The message from Dr. Koyana’s address was clear: “Inanda Seminary is not just a school — it is a legacy. A legacy ready to welcome your child.” As the Seminary continues its upward trajectory, with expanding infrastructure, renewed partnerships, and an alumnae community deeply invested in its success, there has never been a better time to register your daughter. Inanda Seminary is still taking applications for new students in Grades 8, 9, and 10 in 2026. Please visit www.inanda.org
The election of the new ISAA leadership was postponed until next month and Dr Koyana was requested to stay on until then.
