Livingstone High School celebrates 100 years of educational excellence

When Livingstone High School marks its 100th anniversary today, it will not simply be celebrating a milestone.

For many Cape Town families, it will feel like coming home.

Founded in 1926 at a time when access to secondary education was restricted for many black and coloured pupils, the Claremont institution was established through community determination. Over the decades, generations of parents and grandparents have returned to its gates to watch their children follow in their footsteps.

That generational pride will be central to the centenary celebrations. A commemorative assembly will bring together learners and educators to reflect on the school’s journey, while cultural performances will showcase the talent of a new generation shaped by a century of tradition.

A symbolic highlight will be the Centennial Celebration Walk from the school to Rosmead Avenue. The procession represents unity and renewed visibility as Livingstone enters its second century. The hoisting of a centenary flag will formally launch the anniversary year.

Over its 100-year history, Livingstone has produced alumni who have shaped public life locally and nationally. Among them is philanthropist and businessman Dr Iqbal Survé, who attended the school before going on to build a career in medicine and later founding a diversified investment group with interests in media, healthcare and technology. Former Western Cape Premier and diplomat Ebrahim Rasool and former Cabinet minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi are also counted among its notable past pupils.

The school said this symbolic procession by current learners represents unity, confidence and renewed public visibility. As learners march together in pride, the school aims to strengthen community awareness and reaffirm its presence as a cornerstone of education in the area.

The commemorative hoisting of the Centennial School Flag will mark this significant occasion, serving as a proud emblem of 100 years of excellence, unity and Livingstonian spirit. The celebrations will extend beyond February.

A Centennial Open Day will be held on April 11 and will invite alumni back onto the grounds, with memorabilia displays and opportunities for reconnection. As Livingstone High turns 100, the celebration is as much about gratitude and memory as it is about the future — a tribute to a school that has endured, adapted and grown with the city around it.

The school said two special collector’s editions will be available for purchase: the beautifully curated Alumni Coffee Table Book, capturing 100 years of Livingstone’s journey, and the republished R.O.Dudley book, honouring one of the school’s foundational figures.

These limited-edition publications promise to become treasured keepsakes for generations to come.

The school has also invested in significant facility upgrades including improvements to the Homestead Building, Library and Science Laboratory, as well as the installation of a borehole system to support sustainability and gardening initiatives.

Brent Walters, Head of Department, Western Cape Education Department said he is also a former learner of the school: "I extend my warmest congratulations to Livingstone High School on the remarkable occasion of its 100th anniversary. Reaching a centenary speaks to the school’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and the holistic development of generations of learners.

This milestone not only honours the vision of its founders, but also celebrates the dedication of its educators, staff, parents, governing bodies, and the wider community who have supported Livingstone High School throughout the decades. As a former learner and teacher at the school, I’m proud to be part of Livingstone’s story.

"The school has shaped so many young people and continues to make a real contribution to our society. May the next century continue to build on this strong foundation, inspiring young people to lead with integrity, courage, and a commitment to serving society.”

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus