Ohlange Institute

Ohlange Institute is a national heritage site and is deeply intertwined with the struggle of freedom and equality in Durban. It was founded by John Dube in 1901, It was one of the first educational institutions for black students in South Africa during the colonial era.

John Dube, a prominent figure in the African National Congress (ANC), envisioned the school as a place to nurture leadership and promote education among black South Africans. This is one of the Durban attractions that holds important memories and is a must see for anyone interested in the history of equality and freedom within South Africa.

Throughout the apartheid years, the Ohlange Institute remained a beacon of hope and resistance. It provided education to black students at a time when the government’s policy of apartheid sought to limit their opportunities.

One of the most iconic moments of this Durban attraction occurred in 1994 when Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, cast his vote in the country’s first non-racial elections. Mandela’s decision to vote at Ohlange was deeply symbolic, as it was a tribute to John Dube and the institute’s legacy of fighting for equality and democracy.

Today Ohlange Institute continues to uphold its tradition of providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. A visit will take around an hour and you can learn about its important place in South Africa’s history. Make sure you add this to your list of places to visit during your stay in Durban as a tourist. It’s well worth a visit and we rate it as one of the most important Durban attractions you should see while here.

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