Jan van Riebeeck High School

Beneath the majestic gaze of Table Mountain sits Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck. Do you hear the echoes of history mingling with the laughter of students? Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck, established in 1926 by J.J. Jordaan, stands as a testament to time. This isn’t just a school. It’s a living story, narrated in both Afrikaans and English. Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck pulsates with the energy of roughly 500 pupils. They are sorted into three houses: Reijger, Dromedaris, and De Goede Hoop. These names aren’t random. They honor the three ships that carried Jan van Riebeeck to Cape Town in 1652. Imagine young minds nurtured in the shadow of such historical significance. The school boasts a rich legacy. Its alumni include prominent figures like singer Laurika Rauch, and Derek Hanekom, a key figure in the struggle against apartheid and former Minister of Science and Technology. Venture capitalist Roelof Botha and judge Jan Steyn also walked these halls. Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck also has a boarding tradition. Huis Jordaan, originally the girls’ hostel, opened in 1953. The Cape Town Administrator and its executive committee made this possible. They allocated funds for the construction of residences in 1950. Today, Huis Jordaan welcomes both boys and girls. It provides a home away from home for students from grade 8 to 12. The residences are managed by Huibrecht Steyn and Jakkie Steyn. They offer a supportive and nurturing environment for the boarders. Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck has witnessed its share of controversy. In 2004, principal Hammies Van Niekerk faced scrutiny for his interview questions. He inquired about a prospective teacher’s marital status, friends, and sexual orientation. The same year, he sold school property, including part of a sports field, to raise funds. This decision sparked debate. Years later, in 2012, Van Niekerk took early retirement. He claimed he was forced out. André Franken assumed leadership in 2013. Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck. A place where history whispers, and the future unfolds.