UWC Waterford Kamhlaba

Waterford was founded in 1963 in order to provide nonracial education in opposition to the bigotry and injustice of apartheid. Starting with just 16 boys, the school grew rapidly and attracted the children of some of South Africa’s best-known activists, including Nelson and Winnie Mandela, Walter and Albertina Sisulu, and Leah and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

In 1981, Waterford became the 4th UWC when we joined the United World College movement, which now comprises 18 Colleges around the globe. As a United World College, we believe strongly in the power of “education as a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future”. We place a high value on deliberate diversity, including economic diversity. Currently, 26% of our students receive financial assistance and we are committed to raising this number to 40%.

Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA has an incredible history, from its beginnings in 1963 during the apartheid era, to the present challenges of this unique decade marked by a global pandemic and the continued quest to transform the world through education and service.

Waterford Kamhlaba offers both the Cambridge IGCSE qualification and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. More than 95% of our IB diploma graduates go on to tertiary education, with most receiving scholarships to attend universities in Africa, Europe and North America. We have approximately 7,000 alumni.
Engaging with, serving and learning from our broader community is a critical part of our students' educational development and our staff’s working experience. We believe strongly in holistic education and embrace learning both in and outside the classroom.
Waterford Kamhlaba’s legacy is firmly rooted in Southern Africa, in this ancient continent, and in the world. Our name reminds us of our place and purpose and the urgency to create the conditions for equity, sustainability, justice and peace to thrive.