Johannesburg, South Africa – 4 October 2025 – 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: 6km
Tickets: R50 (walk only), R150 (includes t-shirt), R100 (sponsor a participant)
The walk ends with a community picnic on D Field at 13h00.
For more information and tickets
visit https://sjc.co.za/HoH2025
or contact communications@stjohnscollege.co.za
