Sacred Heart Centenary | 100 years of courage and change

Centenary candle
JOHANNESBURG – Sacred Heart College has been in existence for 135 years but 2024 marks a 100 years at its Eckstein Campus.
WATCH: Sacred Heart college pupils anti-xenophobia campaign
The Catholic school has a rich history that defied the odds, that include standing up to the system of apartheid.
It was its unsung hero Brother Neil McGurk who broke barriers during the country’s most turbulent period, when he opened the school’s gates to the first black pupils in 1977.
Leading one of South Africa’s most reputable schools during the days of apartheid, the daring McGurk was unapologetic about what he stood for, and what he believed in.
He said, “We formulated very strong bonds with….They know who they are and what they want.”
The Marist college was nothing short of sacred and paved the way to success for many prominent leaders, including the likes of Standard Bank CEO, Sim Tshabalala, author and activist Ndaba Mandela, Matrix Group CEO Kgaugelo Maphai among others.
Sacred Heart’s story is a beacon of hope and a model for social cohesion.
Its ethos of unity through education is a hallmark that continues to live on.