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Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa (WK UWCSA) was founded in 1963 as a response to the separate and unequal educational systems in South Africa. The property on which the school is situated was originally a farm called “Waterford Park Estate” and Kamhlaba means “of the world” or “of the earth” and therefore without distinctions such as race or religion. Different to all the other UWC schools and colleges, the academic year at Waterford Kamhlaba runs from January to November.
Three Unique Features
- Strong relationships with local change-makers: Through community service, the school has strong relations with local organisations such as the refugee camp and neighbourhood care points (children’s welfare centres).
- The only UWC school on the southern hemisphere calendar: While other UWC schools’ academic years usually run between September and May, Waterford’s follows the southern hemisphere norm starting in January.
- First multi-racial school in SA: WK UWCSA was the first multiracial school in Southern Africa; founded as a direct response to South Africa’s system of apartheid, which enforced racial segregation as policy and did not permit multi-racial schooling. Its history of embracing and celebrating diversity from across Africa and beyond is something deeply ingrained in Waterford Kamhlaba’s ethos. It continues to be at the core of its values today.
In their final two years, our students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is made up of three core components and six subject groups. We also offer an extended induction period to assist with English proficiency.
Average class size: 17 students
Pre-IBDP & Lower School Programme
Aside from the IBDP, WK UWCSA offers Forms 1- 4. Forms 1 and 2 aim to establish foundational skills with mixed ability classes and tutor guidance, while Form 3 introduces subject choices in Creative Arts and Languages. Forms 4 and 5 focus on the Cambridge IGCSE qualification, preparing students for diverse academic paths and global challenges.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Core components
- Theory of Knowledge: Students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we claim what we know.
- The Extended Essay: An independent, self-directed piece of research finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Students take part in a range of experiences and at least one project.
Subjects
- Studies in language and literature: English Literature, English Language & Literature, Siswati Literature
- Language acquisition: English B, French B, French B Ab initio, Spanish B, Spanish B Ab initio
- For Short courses
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems & Societies
- Mathematics: Maths – Analysis and Approaches, Maths – Applications and Interpretation
- The arts: Visual Arts, Music, Theatre
Co-curricular
All students at UWC complete a co-curricular programme called Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) – an integral part of the IB qualification. Students get the opportunity to choose a physical, a creative and a social service activity.
Physical activities
Athletics
Badminton
Basketball
Canoeing
Hiking
Hockey
Netball
Rock Climbing
Rugby
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Creative activities
Chess
Leadership Development Forum
Link Group
Model United Nations
Permaculture Garden
Public Speaking and Debate
Writing Club
Social service
AWARE
Careers Support Initiative (CSI)
Government Hospital Service
Link Group
Mpaka Refugee Camp
Msunduza Care Point
Peer Supporters
Permaculture Garden
Salvation Army
Sobhiyezo Pre-school
SOS Sportland Swimming
Vision Comserve
Young Heroes
And many more!
Perched on a mountain top in Sidwashini, a 10-minute drive from the Swazi capital Mbabane, is a gathering of colourful houses and buildings. That’s Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA. Originally designed by renowned architect and WK parent, Amancio (Pancho) Guedes, Waterford has grown as much in physical size as it has in student numbers. The Waterford community is highly influenced by the social, historical and cultural context of Eswatini.
Medical Centre
Theatre Stage
Amphitheatre
Dance Studio
IT Centre
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Gym
Football pitch
Basketball courts
Tennis Courts
Art Centre
Darkroom
Music Room
Residential accommodation:
There are eight student residences. Typically, boys and girls are separately accommodated on different floors/wings. Most students are in rooms of four with nationalities and cultures deliberately mixed. All houses have a common room, kitchen and quiet/study room with computer and Wi-Fi access.
Medical provisions
- Full-time nurse on campus
- Two school counsellors
- Private clinic within 10 minutes of campus
Academic and emotional wellbeing
The school supports students’ academic and emotional well-being through:
- Full-time Deputy Head of Pastoral
- Head of Residences who provides support and oversight to students living on campus
- School counsellors providing additional mental health supports
- All students are assigned a tutor group
You can apply through your UWC national committee (NC) or through the UWC Global Selection Programme. Direct applications are also possible for the lower years. For more information about Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa, visit the website.
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