This October, the St John’s College community will once again come together for Habits of the Heart V, a series of events celebrating the life and legacy of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
Tickets to these events are available via Webtickets, with multi-event deals available for participants who want to join more than one activity.
TUTU MEMORIAL WALK
St John's College will host the annual Tutu Memorial Walk on Sunday, 12 October 2025, closing out Habits of the Heart V, a series of events honouring Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. This year's theme, "Reframing the Legacy. Reclaiming our Future," invites reflection on how Tutu's work continues to shape South Africa today.
The 7km walk departs from D Field at St John's Pre-Preparatory at 07h30, taking to the streets of Houghton, Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville. It's a tribute to Tutu's work in social justice and reconciliation, and a chance to reflect on our shared humanity.
Students and community leaders from local schools and churches will guide walkers through seven stations, including Roedean School, Asteri Primary School, Barnato Park High School, Ponte Tower, St Aidan's Anglican Church, and the Tutu Quad at St John's College. Along the way, participants will hear excerpts from Tutu's speeches and writings, with time to pray and reflect on how his values might shape their own lives.
The route crosses the Desmond and Leah Tutu Bridge, which was opened by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in 2006, connecting St John's College and Roedean School SA. Walkers will also visit schools in the St John's College Academy network and stop at Ponte City Apartment building, where the College partners with Dlala Nje, a youth development organisation.
Past walks have explored themes at the heart of Tutu's work: Ubuntu and our interconnectedness, community engagement for social justice, and reconciliation as a path to healing. The walk brings together students, staff, parents, and neighbours for a morning of reflection and connection.
Speaking at last year's walk, Mickey Mashego, Head of Community Engagement at St John's College, stressed the importance of "preserving the legacy of ethical leaders such as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to students" and "deepening their consciousness and seeking innovative solutions to our country's stark socio-economic disparities."
TUTU MEMORIAL WALK:
Date: Sunday, 12 October 2025
Time: 07h30 – 14h30
Starting Point: D Field, St John's Pre-Preparatory, St Patrick Road, Houghton
Distance: 7km
Tickets: R50 for the walk only, or R150 for the walk and a t-shirt. If you have a t-shirt from a previous walk, you're welcome to wear it.
The walk ends with a community picnic on D Field at 13h00.
HEART-TO-HEART CONVERSATIONS OVER DINNER
On Tuesday, 7 October at 18h00, families and the wider community are invited to the inaugural Heart-to-Heart Conversations as we explore what it means to be South African today.
Together, we’ll reflect on our post-apartheid journey — celebrating what we’ve achieved, confronting where we’ve fallen short, and asking who may have been left behind. Is the dream of a Rainbow Nation still alive and relevant?
Bring your stories, experiences, and ideas to the table as we explore the South Africa we want to create. This is your chance to be part of a thought-provoking discussion that could help shape the path ahead.
Special guests include Dan Corder from The Dan Corder Show, Amahle-Imvelo Jaxa, South African content creator, who is known for her engaging current affairs and pop culture TikTok videos, Lindiwe Dlamini, Executive Director at Roedean School SA, Erick Kabongo, psychologist and academic, Geraldine Pillay, South African Olympic Athlete, James Urdang, founder of Education Africa, and Stuart West, Executive Headmaster of St John's College
Tickets are R250 per person and include a delicious three-course meal, as well as a glass of wine or a soft drink.
This promises to be an evening where conversation comes alive and ideas take shape.
TUTU MEMORIAL MASS & LECTURE
The week will begin in the Memorial Chapel on Thursday, 2 October, from 07h30 to 09h00, with The Most Revd Dr Thabo Cecil Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, leading a moving Tutu Memorial Lecture and Chapel Service. His words will invite reflection on Tutu’s courage, joy, and moral conviction, inspiring all to live with the same spirit.
This event is free; however, booking is essential as there are a limited number of seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Together, these events form more than a programme — they are a living tribute, reminding all who participate that Desmond Tutu’s legacy is to be lived as much as remembered.
For more information, email communications@stjohnscollege.co.za