Ubuntu in action: St John’s College hosts Tutu Memorial Walk
Participants in action: Students and community members take part in last year’s 7km Tutu Memorial Walk through Johannesburg.
Image: Supplied
St John’s College will host its annual Tutu Memorial Walk on Sunday, October 12, 2025, marking the conclusion of 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 participants to reflect on how Tutu’s work continues to shape South Africa today.
The 7km walk begins at 7.30am from D Field at St John’s Pre-Preparatory and winds through Houghton, Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville. 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 his values.
Walkers pause at one of seven stations to read excerpts from Archbishop Tutu’s speeches and reflect on his values.
Image: Supplied
The route crosses the Desmond and Leah Tutu Bridge, opened by Tutu in 2006 to connect St John’s College and Roedean School SA. Walkers will also visit schools in the College’s Academy network and stop at Ponte City Apartments, where St John’s partners with youth development organisation Dlala Nje.
Past walks have focused on themes central to Tutu’s work, including Ubuntu, community engagement, and reconciliation. The walk brings together students, staff, parents, and neighbours for a morning of reflection and community connection.
Speaking at last year’s walk, Mickey Mashego, head of community engagement at St John’s College, said the event helps “preserve the legacy of ethical leaders such as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to students” and “deepens their consciousness and encourages innovative solutions to our country’s stark socio-economic disparities.”
Community togetherness: Students, teachers, and neighbours gather at the final stop for a moment of reflection and shared celebration of Tutu’s legacy.
Image: Supplied
Event details:
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Time: 7.30am to 2.30pm
Starting point: D Field, St John’s Pre-Preparatory, St Patrick Road, Houghton
Distance: 7km
Tickets: R50 (walk only), R150 (includes T-shirt), R100 (sponsor a participant)
The walk concludes with a community picnic on D Field at 1pm.
For more information and tickets, contact St John’s College.