History

Inanda Seminary is one of South Africa’s historical schools. This national treasure has nurtured many leading black women in our society for over a century and a half, against great odds.

Inanda Seminary is an Independent Christian boarding school for girls founded by American missionaries in 1869. It is an Independent School under the auspices of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) and a member of ISASA (Independent Schools of Southern Africa). The school which forms part of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Route lies 25 kilometres North West of Durban on property owned by the UCCSA. It has Section 21 status and is a registered Non-Profit Organisation.

Inanda Seminary was founded by the American Board of Mission. Daniel and Lucy Lindley made the long journey from the USA to South Africa, arriving in 1835. After various setbacks and adventures, they eventually founded their mission station in 1849.

As the missionary work progressed, young men were trained as ministers at Adam’s College. The Lindleys felt that it was as important to provide education for young women, so, Mrs Mary Kelley Edwards was appointed as principal and on the 1st of March 1869, Inanda Seminary opened with 19 students. Mah Edwards was to remain at the school until her death in 1927. She worked to raise the intellectual standards of the school, despite prejudice against higher education for African girls. She introduced many ground-breaking programmes, including nursing training (when she was 80 years old).

The school endured many trials and challenges. One of the biggest was apartheid, but Inanda Seminary was one of the few mission schools that managed to retain its independence and withstand the onslaught of Bantu education.

The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) tried to uphold quality education at Inanda but, by 1997 the school was on the verge of closure. The property and buildings deteriorated and international support for the school declined. But old girl Esther Sangweni headed up a committee of 10 who managed to keep the school going. They approached former president Nelson Mandela who helped the school to get sponsorship from SAPPI. Many buildings were repaired and the rebirth of the school began with the appointment of a principal.

Under the leadership of former Executive Director and Head, Judy Tate, and missionary Rev. Susan Valiquette, the school was steered toward stability and excellence. New facilities were added and the Khanyisa Inanda Community Project was launched.

For more detailed information on our history, you can read: