St John's College has announded that it will host the annual Tutu Memorial Walk on Sunday, 12 October, 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 7 km walk departs from D Field at St John's Pre-Preparatory at 07:30, 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, says the college.
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, adds the college.
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, adds the college.
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, says the college.
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."
According to the college, details of the Tutu Memorial Walk include:
- Date: Sunday, 12 October
- Time: 07:30 to 14:30
- Starting Point: D Field, St John's Pre-Preparatory, St Patrick Road, Houghton
- Distance: 6 km
- Tickets: R50 (walk only), R150 (includes T-shirt), R100 (sponsor a participant)
The walk ends with a community picnic on D Field at 13:00, concludes the college.
Tickets can be purchased here.
For more information, visit www.stjohnscollege.co.za. You can also follow St John's College on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor