About Us
We are a diverse community with the freedom and courage to challenge, question, and think differently.
About Us
Our History
During the challenging years of the Second World War, Witbank’s first dual-medium high school was established. On 19 January 1943, Witbank High School opened its doors with 302 pupils and a staff of 10, under the leadership of Mr. G.J. Potgieter. By 1950, enrolment had increased to 413 pupils.
The school rapidly outgrew its facilities, with even the staff room being repurposed as a classroom. In 1951, the current boys’ dormitory was completed, followed by the girls’ dormitory in 1954. On 16 October 1954, the school’s new name, Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog, was proudly unveiled during a grand ceremony.
In 1958, Mr. S. Pienaar took over as principal. By 1964, the school had grown to 1,216 pupils and 59 teachers. In 1967, the school transitioned to become an Afrikaans medium high school, following the split from Witbank High. Today, Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog remains the school of choice in Witbank.
Who we are
Knowledge empowers you to make a difference.
It opens doors to endless possibilities, equipping you with the skills and understanding necessary to create positive change. Whether within your community, workplace, or the wider world, informed decisions and innovative solutions are built on a foundation of knowledge. Embrace learning as a pathway to meaningful contributions and a better future for all.
Over 80 Years of History
With more than 80 years of rich history, our school stands as a beacon of academic excellence and tradition.
Our Philosophy
- To provide our pupils with the best opportunities to realise their full potential
- To instil strong moral values and self-belief in our pupils
- To achieve excellence in both academic and extra-curricular activities
- To attract and retain the very best staff
- To offer state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for education of the highest calibre
- To foster a dynamic partnership between parents, teachers, and pupils
The heart of Emalahleni
We aim to develop strong, independent individuals who are capable of thinking outside the box, solving problems, and communicating effectively.
With values of respect, love, integrity, excellence, innovative courage, and pride, HGH pupils tackle each day with determination. A balanced approach to academics, sport, and culture nurtures well-rounded, hardworking individuals who are equipped to make a positive difference.
What we STAND for
Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog walks alongside every child, regardless of language, background, or interest. Whether they are Afrikaans or English, academically gifted or focused on cultural or sporting pursuits, all children are equally valued. We believe every child who passes through our school has the potential to excel, and it is our mission to help them reach their full potential.
Message from our Principal
The true purpose of education is to enrich the mind. Education extends far beyond simply filling minds with facts; it cultivates curiosity, critical thinking, and the willingness to explore new ideas. It opens minds to diverse perspectives and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Embrace education as a journey that enriches your understanding, broadens your horizons, and prepares you to navigate and contribute to an ever-evolving society.
Our Values and Discipline
Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog is committed to walking alongside every child, valuing each individual regardless of their background, interests, or abilities. It is not only the top achievers who are important to us—every child is given the opportunity to realise their full potential.
Safety & Security
Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog (HGH) is proud to be one of the safest school environments in Emalahleni. With access control at all gates, on-site security guards, and surveillance cameras, we ensure the safety of everyone on campus. The vehicles of parents, learners, and staff are completely secure, providing peace of mind as they enter the school grounds.
Our dedicated school counsellor is available daily in a private, safe environment to support learners. She addresses their spiritual and intellectual needs, offering a sense of emotional security and well-being.
Academics
At Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog, academic excellence is our top priority, and we are proud to boast a balanced and highly skilled team of educators. Our staff consists of experienced teachers alongside dynamic young professionals, each bringing fresh, innovative ideas to enhance the learning experience.
From Grade 10 onwards, learners can choose from a wide variety of specialised subjects, including: Computer Application Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Consumer Studies, Tourism, Business Studies, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, and Geography— all of which are university admission subjects. Learners can also choose between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy, alongside compulsory subjects like Afrikaans (Home Language or First Additional Language), English (Home Language or First Additional Language), and Life Orientation.
Our facilities include two modern centres for CAT, a fully equipped kitchen and restaurant for Consumer Studies, and dedicated drawing centres for Engineering Graphics and Design. The theatre supports practical Drama classes, while the spacious and well-lit art classes enables learners to thrive in Visual Arts.
Every classroom is equipped with data projectors, and cameras are installed as teaching aids. Our passionate staff instil a love of learning in every child, fostering intellectual curiosity and academic achievement.
Sport & Culture
At HGH, we believe in nurturing talent both on and off the field. Our cultural achievements are widely recognised in the region, with our renowned choir, excelling in competitions like ATKV Applous, Sing in Harmonie, and the Choral Celebration Network. Additionally, our acapella group placed third in the Animato competition in 2018 and continues to gain recognition through television programmes such as Stem Saam on VIA.
With excellent coaching and organisation, HGH shines in provincial cultural activities, including ATKV Orators (public speaking), debate, and playathon events. Our annual participation in the Artium Art Festival showcases the exceptional talent of our learners.
When it comes to sports, our teams are leaders in their respective disciplines. Our formidable first netball team was one of only three under-19 teams in Mpumalanga to qualify for the South African Championships. Both our boys’ and girls’ cricket teams have enjoyed tremendous success, with the girls’ team winning their league in 2018.
During the winter sports season, our rugby, netball, and hockey teams compete in the prestigious Superseries, consistently achieving outstanding results. We also participate in the Mpumalanga league for rugby, hockey, netball, and tennis.
HGH excels in individual sports too, with our archery team standing out in regional competitions, one of only two schools in Emalahleni to offer this sport. In athletics, our learners perform exceptionally well at the Hoëveld Interhoër, where our athletes showcase their strength, skill, and school spirit.
Facilities
HGH offers exceptional facilities that support a wide range of activities for our learners. We have ample rugby and hockey fields, cricket nets for both boys and girls, eight top-quality netball courts, and tennis courts. The J.P.J. Winterbach Stadium is ideal for hosting athletic events, with covered seating and floodlights that enable both day and evening events.
In addition to our school hall, we have a theatre that hosts drama productions, speeches, debates, and performances.
Our on-site gym, operated by a professional bio-kineticist , provides free services to HGH learners, promoting health and fitness. Social spaces like the Benvenutti restaurant and sports house add to the lively atmosphere, while our cafeteria offers a clean, welcoming space with a wide variety of fresh and healthy meals every day.
HGH also features spacious and well-maintained boarding facilities for both boys and girls, the only such dormitory in Emalahleni. Boarding learners enjoy three nutritious meals daily and live in a safe, comfortable environment. There are also staff apartments on-site, ensuring the well-being and supervision of our boarding community at all times.
Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog’s Buildings and Infrastructure
Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog is proud of its beautiful historic buildings, complemented by modern infrastructure. A structural engineering firm inspected our facilities and provided a highly positive report. The buildings were found to be exceptionally well-maintained, reflecting the care and attention we dedicate to preserving our schoolgrounds.
To ensure uninterrupted education, the school has systems in place to counter power and water outages. Both the school and the residence are equipped with generators capable of supplying the entire schoolgrounds with power during outages. Additionally, water is drawn from boreholes and stored in several 5000-litre backup tanks, guaranteeing a constant water supply.
