What’s older than Pietermaritzburg Girls' High?
Pietermaritzburg Girls' High has been around for over a century, but just how old does that make it? Take a look at what’s older and younger than the institution.
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School (PGHS) opened its doors on August 4, 1920, with just 71 students and its first principal, Miss Norma Burns, at the helm. At the time, the world was a vastly different place, but the school’s commitment to excellence has stood the test of time for over a century.
As PGHS reflects on its remarkable legacy, it’s fascinating to see how its history aligns with other iconic milestones in South Africa’s past. Some boast histories that stretch back centuries, while others only came into existence after the school’s founding.
Let’s explore this crazy timeline face-off and discover who truly comes out ahead in the race through history!
What’s older than Pietermaritzburg Girls' High?
1. The Castle of Good Hope (1666)
South Africa’s oldest colonial building, the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, predates GHS by more than 250 years. It was built by the Dutch East India Company and served as a stronghold for maritime defence – it later became a prison, fort, and administrative centre.
Today, it’s a fascinating museum that showcases artefacts from South Africa’s colonial past, complete with ghost stories and guided tours.
2. University of Cape Town (1829)
As South Africa’s oldest university, UCT was originally founded as the South African College. By the time PGHS was established, UCT had already spent nearly a century cementing its reputation as the country's premier university.
UCT stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, with a legacy that includes Nobel Prize winners, groundbreaking research, and notable anti-apartheid activists among its alumni.
3. Durban Botanic Gardens (1849)
The Durban Botanic Gardens, the oldest surviving botanical garden in Africa, is a haven for plant lovers and picnic enthusiasts alike. By the time PGHS was founded, this garden was already a cultural and natural treasure in KwaZulu-Natal.
Today, it’s known for its lush green lawns, stunning orchid collection, and tranquil lake.
4. Pietermaritzburg’s City Hall (1901)
Pietermaritzburg’s City Hall stands proudly as the largest red-brick building in the Southern Hemisphere, predating PGHS by nearly two decades. This historic landmark, with its iconic clock tower and stunning Victorian-era architecture, remains a defining feature of the city’s rich heritage.
Notably, the City Hall also holds a connection to history beyond its walls. It stood as a witness during Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Pietermaritzburg, where he experienced a transformative moment – years before PGHS became a shining symbol of education in the region.
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What’s younger than Pietermaritzburg Girls' High?
1. Apartheid (1948–1994)
While segregation already existed before apartheid, this policy that
tragically shaped South African society for decades came into effect 28
years after PGHS was founded. Yes – PGHS is older than apartheid.
This makes the school a witness to both the rise and fall of apartheid, which highlights the school's resilience and ability to adapt and change with the times.
2. Kruger National Park (1926)
While game reserves existed before 1926, it wasn’t until six years after PGHS opened its doors that Kruger National Park was officially established as one of South Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries.
Today, Kruger stands as one of the world’s most renowned wildlife reserves, home to the iconic Big Five and a magnet for visitors from across the globe.
3. Soweto (1930s)
The iconic township of Soweto, which became a symbol of resistance during apartheid, was established nearly a decade after PGHS began shaping young minds.
The connection between Soweto’s struggle for equality and PGHS’s commitment to empowering young women highlights how education and activism have played pivotal roles in shaping South Africa’s history and legacy.
4. The first commercial flight in South Africa (1929)
Nine years after PGHS was founded, South Africa’s aviation industry took off with the first commercial flight by Union Airways (later named South African Airways). This milestone marked the beginning of modern transportation in the country, revolutionising how cities and people were connected.
It’s incredible to think how quickly horizons expanded – within a single generation, South Africans went from walking to class at PGHS to flying across the country.
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When PGHS opened its doors in 1920, it stepped into a world on the brink of transformation. By comparing it to these historic landmarks and events, we gain a deeper understanding of PGHS’s unique place in South Africa’s story.
It’s older than the Kruger National Park and South Africa’s aviation industry, yet it’s a relative newcomer compared to the Castle of Good Hope and the iconic UCT.
PGHS isn’t just an institution – it’s a symbol of progress, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, standing proudly in the heart of South Africa’s rich and evolving history.
Have a similar story or something unique to share? Email us at [email protected], we would love to hear from you!
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