Durban High School (DHS) is Durban’s oldest high school, a traditional all-boys public English-medium school in the suburb of Musgrave, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1866 and celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2026.
Founding and Early Years
The school opened its doors in June 1866 in two rooms at Mansion House (also referred to as Manor House) on Smith Street, Durban, with just seven pupils and one teacher, Robert Russell, who served as the first headmaster (1866–1875). Durban itself was only about 51 years old at the time.
By the end of 1866, enrollment grew to around 40 boys. About 18 months later, it relocated to a disused granary in Cato Square as numbers reached 100, and a second teacher was added.
- In 1880 (shortly after the Anglo-Zulu War), it moved to an old hospital on the Durban foreshore.
- In 1895, under headmaster Wilfred Nicholas (1886–1909), it moved to its current elevated site on the Berea ridge (healthier than the low-lying areas prone to malaria and other issues). The Durban Town Council granted the school a 10-acre plot here, where it has remained and expanded.
The first enrolled student was Eben Coates, who also became the first head boy.
Motto and Heritage
- Motto: Deo Fretus (“Relying on God” or “In God We Trust”).
- The school emphasizes a “Heritage of Excellence” and values like loyalty, trust, pride, and honour. A notable quote from a former headmaster (D.C. Thompson) displayed in the hall reads: “May each and every one of them ever remember that as he is, so is his School.”
It has a sister school relationship with Maris Stella School and a linked primary school, Durban Preparatory High School.
Headmasters (Selected)
Key long-serving or notable headmasters include:
- R. Russell (1866–1875)
- A. S. Langley (1910–1930/39) — known for discipline and classical education.
- A. W. McIver (1959–1970/81)
- Later: D. A. Magner (2004–2014), and current headmaster A. D. Pinheiro (2017–present).
A centenary history book, The DHS Story 1866–1966, was published for the 100th anniversary.
Academics, Sport, and Culture
DHS is known for strong academics and a wide range of sports (especially rugby, cricket, and athletics). It has produced numerous Springboks, international cricketers (including Hashim Amla), and other sports stars.
The school badge incorporates elements of the British Royal Coat of Arms and the former Natal provincial arms.
Notable Alumni
DHS has a long list of distinguished old boys (“Horseflies”) in politics, sports, arts, science, and more, including:
- Cricket: Hashim Amla (former SA Test captain), Lance Klusener, and others.
- Rugby: Multiple Springboks (e.g., BJ Botha).
- Other fields: Poet Roy Campbell, Nobel-related figures like Sir Aaron Klug, and various political and business leaders.
