Arts, Culture & Heritage
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Blue Plaque Sites

Orlando High School

Table of Contents

About Orlando High School

Developed by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation in consultation with the City of Joburg.

Address

6502 Mooki Street, Orlando East, Soweto
24 September 2019

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ORLANDO HIGH SCHOOL The Rock 0rlando High School, SowetoÕs first high school, is affectionately known as The Rock because of the rocky nature of the site. The SchoolÕs first principal, Mr B M Masipa, put in to practice the bold experiment to start a school, staffed entirely by Africans, and the school opened in 1939. The school started with two teachers - Mr Zephania Mothopeng and Mr Peter Raboroko - and five students. Triumphing over the odds and defying sceptics, the school is proud of its many illustrious past students.

Photo courtesy: Kabelo Mokoena (Sunday Times)

Explore Joburg

A culmination of research gathered over many years, the Online Johannesburg Heritage Register is being launched on Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2025.

Among the many heritage sites featured is Chancellor House, the downtown offices of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys in the 1950s. After having been vacant and shuttered for more than a decade, this iconic building is being revived and brought to life once again as offices for the Community Development Department, which oversees the City’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Services.

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