Inanda Seminary Alumnae "Paint the Sea Purple" to Support Education!
Forty-one proud alumnae of Inanda Seminary embarked on a vibrant 3-day MSC Musica cruise from Durban to Portuguese Island, Mozambique, from 10–13 January 2025. The journey was more than a reunion; it was a meaningful fundraising initiative to provide bursaries for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged girls at their alma mater, an independent girls’ boarding school with a rich history dating back to 1869. Dressed in the school’s signature purple and yellow, the alumnae celebrated the 155th anniversary of Inanda Seminary and its continued tradition of excellence. While fewer than 10% of Black girls in South Africa access university, the majority of Inanda Seminary’s graduates pursue tertiary education. Many alumnae have gone on to lead in fields such as business, medicine, engineering, and politics.
The funds raised by this initiative will go toward bursaries, ensuring that more girls from diverse backgrounds can benefit from the school’s unique educational approach. Inanda Seminary nurtures academic achievement and resilience, critical thinking, and a commitment to meaningful societal contribution.
The alumnae have long supported the school’s growth. For the 150th anniversary, they donated a multipurpose hall that serves both the school and the broader Inanda community. In 2024 alone, 12 esteemed alumnae and their companies contributed R1.9 million toward the school’s operating expenses.
The group of alumnae represents an incredible range of ages, from the oldest born in 1955 to the youngest in 2000. “This trip is about more than fundraising,” said Dr. Siphokazi Koyana, Chairperson of the Inanda Seminary Alumnae Association (ISAA) and a proud member of the Class of 1985. “It’s about strengthening our alumnae network across generations, professions, and regions, while celebrating our shared history and commitment to the school’s future.”
