Sastri College

Srinivasa Sastri, a name whispered with reverence, echoes through the halls of Sastri College. Have you ever heard the story of how this educational beacon came to be? In 1926, Sastri arrived in South Africa, not as a teacher, but as a negotiator. He was tasked with discussing the repatriation of Indians with the South African government. But Sastri saw a different kind of future for the Indian community, one built on education. He envisioned Sastri College as a place where young minds could flourish. It would be both a high school, guiding students to matriculation, and a teacher training college, nurturing the educators of tomorrow. Sastri College, officially opened in October 1929, stands as a testament to his vision. This wasn’t just any school. It was the first Indian high school and teacher training college built in South Africa. The very architecture of this double-story complex whispers tales of the past. Designed by Hermann Kallenbach, a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi, and built by Percy Osborn, it embodies the “Berea” style prevalent at the time. The Governor-General of South Africa, the Earl of Athlone, himself inaugurated this institution. Sastri’s dedication and fundraising prowess were instrumental in its creation. He managed to collect £28,000, a substantial sum at the time, to make his dream a reality. Sastri College’s impact extended beyond its initial purpose. In 1936, it housed a segregated campus for black students of Natal University College. While born from discriminatory policies, this arrangement inadvertently fostered a generation of intellectuals. United against racism and segregation, they emerged from diverse ethnic, language, and class backgrounds. Today, Sastri College continues Sastri’s legacy. It thrives as a co-educational institution, embracing learners of all races. It provides a wide range of academic, cultural, and sporting activities, fostering well-rounded individuals. From its tumultuous past to its vibrant present, Sastri College remains a symbol of hope and opportunity. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education.