Inanda Seminary Celebrates 140 years (1869-2009)

Inanda Seminary has graduated more than 8000 students that have gone into the world exemplifiying the school’s motto, “Shine Where You Are” (Philippians 2:15). Inanda Seminary was founded 1 March 1869 by the American Board of Missions (ABM) as a Christian school for black girls in Durban, South Africa. The Rev. Daniel Lindley and Mrs Lucy Lindley came to South Africa in 1835, as one of six couples sent by the ABM to start mission work in the country. Inanda Seminary became the first secondary school exclusively for African girls in southern Africa. For 140 years Inanda Seminary has maintained the Christian values and African ethos it was founded upon. Inanda Seminary believes in developing and growing the whole child: spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically.

Inanda Seminary has graduated more than 8000 students that have gone into the world exemplifiying the school’s motto, “Shine Where You Are” (Philippians 2:15).  Inanda Seminary was founded 1 March 1869 by the American Board of Missions (ABM) as a Christian school for black girls in Durban, South Africa. The Rev. Daniel Lindley and Mrs Lucy Lindley came to South Africa in 1835, as one of six couples sent by the ABM to start mission work in the country. Inanda Seminary became the first secondary school exclusively for African girls in southern Africa. For 140 years Inanda Seminary has maintained the Christian values and African ethos it was founded upon.  Inanda Seminary believes in developing and growing the whole child: spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically.  Inanda Seminary provides a solid grounding for its students and as a result has produced the core of black female leadership in South Africa.  The current vice-President of South Africa, Baleka Mbete, received her start at Inanda Seminary.  During the Apartheid years, Inanda Seminary continued to educate and motivate black females to rise up against oppression and racism.  This continues today in the current climate of crime, violence and HIV and AIDS where infection is highest among women.  Currently, Inanda Seminary is a church school of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), a partner denomination with Global Ministries.  The school will formally celebrate 140 years March 7, 2009. If you would like to send your words of congratulations and prayers of support, please e-mail them to psanborn@dom.disciples.org or mail them to Global Ministries, Africa Office P O Box 1986 Indianapolis, IN 46206.