Hoërskool Linden

Gazing upon Hoërskool Linden, can you hear the echoes of its past? This Afrikaans-medium secondary school stands as a testament to the vision of one man, T.E. Schlebusch. Hoërskool Linden’s story begins shortly after the Second Boer War, with a small farm school on the Emmarentia property. This evolved into the Louw Geldenhuys School in 1935, led by Schlebusch. He saw the growing need for a high school in Linden, a vision that persisted even through the challenging war years. His tireless efforts, countless letters, and numerous delegations to the Transvaal Education Department finally paid off. In 1947, Hoërskool Linden, then known as Linden Junior High School, opened its doors. The modern building, designed by Geers & Geers, boasted 14 classrooms and welcomed 500 students and 17 teachers. Growth continued, and the school quickly outgrew its new space. Tents were erected as makeshift classrooms, a testament to the burgeoning demand for education at Hoërskool Linden. Originally a dual-medium school, it transitioned to Afrikaans-only in 1952. This coincided with the Van Riebeeck Festival, a significant event marking the school’s shift and the establishment of its first matric class. Hoërskool Linden even published its first yearbook that year, the “Jan van Riebeeck” edition, commemorating this important milestone. Fast forward to 1964, a year marked by the leadership of Headmaster Cor Dirks. His influence resonated deeply within the school community. The matriculating class of ’64, numbering 82 students, left their mark with a mosaic of the school emblem, a symbol of their time at Hoërskool Linden. This emblem, still visible in the hall today, serves as a tangible reminder of the school’s rich history. Hoërskool Linden remains a landmark in the community, shaping young minds and fostering a strong sense of identity. It has continued to serve the community, boasting a 100% matric pass rate in recent years.