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Directing Potential Since 1863

Our History

Maritzburg College History

Maritzburg College has established itself as one of the leading schools of the future for boys. As the oldest boys’ high school in KwaZulu-Natal, every College boy’s school years are enriched by a tapestry of tradition.

Each member of the College community becomes part of the school’s history – and it is this heritage that drives the strength of the Old Boys’ spirit and a lifelong sense of identity.

The College history is one of success – on the sports field, in the classroom, and out in the world amongst our OCs. We are always looking forward, innovating for the future, but we are rooted in a proud past.

Our history spans 150 years of stories – and has seen the school evolve into a vibrant 21st century establishment committed to core values of honesty, integrity, courage, self-discipline, commitment, and respect, which boys are expected to embrace and embody in their daily lives.

Old Boys’ Association

Founded in 1897, the MCOBA binds past College boys in a close brotherhood. United by a common history, the association maintains a strong network of OCs across the world, working towards the continued prestige of our great school.

Archives

Explore the comprehensive College digital archive including copies of the College magazine dating back to the early days of the school, as well as an admissions register containing the names of all boys enrolled at the school over the years.

College Museum

Enjoy a curated walk through the history of our school at the College Museum. The museum is a proud showcase of the school and is open during specific hours throughout the school term, as well as on Saturday mornings during major sporting events.

The School Badge

The well-recognised red shield with a crossed carbine and assegai is rooted in history. In our 151st year, grey laurels and our year of establishment were added in recognition of this milestone. Mr RD Clark is responsible for the martial motto and insignia, signalling the pride he had that so many of his young school’s sons had perished in valiant struggles for hearth and home.

The School Badge

The well-recognised red shield with a crossed carbine and assegai is rooted in history. In our 151st year, grey laurels and our year of establishment were added in recognition of this milestone. Mr RD Clark is responsible for the martial motto and insignia, signalling the pride he had that so many of his young school’s sons had perished in valiant struggles for hearth and home.

The School Motto

The carbine and assegai of the school crest appear over the Latin scroll bearing Pro Aris et Focis – For Hearth and Home. RD Clark instituted this, derived from the Latin inscription he composed for the Colonial War Memorial, which now appears in the foyer of Clark House.

The School Motto

The carbine and assegai of the school crest appear over the Latin scroll bearing Pro Aris et Focis – For Hearth and Home. RD Clark instituted this, derived from the Latin inscription he composed for the Colonial War Memorial, which now appears in the foyer of Clark House.

Red. Black. White.

The meaning behind the College school colours is a subject of great debate. The College colours were first introduced in 1891 by the captain of the school’s football team, Mr EJ Holgate. It is commonly believed (although not conclusively proven) that they represent the wars and skirmishes between the British and the Zulus (black and white) and the blood shed between them (red). The College of today is proudly unified under the colours of red, black, and white.

Red. Black. White.

The meaning behind the College school colours is a subject of great debate. The College colours were first introduced in 1891 by the captain of the school’s football team, Mr EJ Holgate. It is commonly believed (although not conclusively proven) that they represent the wars and skirmishes between the British and the Zulus (black and white) and the blood shed between them (red). The College of today is proudly unified under the colours of red, black, and white.