The Mine Dump Is Gone, but the Hill Remains -A view of the Koppie at Jeppe High School for Boys

 

I love comparing these two photographs. They capture more than just the passing of time, they reveal the contrast between the temporary nature of human industry and the enduring presence of the little koppie. While the mine dump has disappeared from the landscape, the hill remains, quietly witnessing the changing history around it.

If you have an interesting story, memory, photograph, or piece of history about the koppie at Jeppe High School for Boys, I'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch, as I'm currently writing a book about this remarkable little hill, and your contribution could help preserve another part of its story.

Above:  Photo from the Jeppe Boys School Archive, possibly taken during the 1980's

Above:  Photo taken by Jean Meintjes from the school building, 23 July 2026

Old Photograph - Jeppe High School for Boys - Swimming Bath 1941

Eighty-five years ago the swimming bath at Jeppe High School for Boys glissened in the sun.  

Historically, swimming pools were often called “swimming baths” because they evolved from public bathhouses built for hygiene rather than leisure (very fittingly located near many school hostels😁).

The site where this "bath"once stood is currently used as a ruby practice field, soon to be replaced by a "High Performance Centre"............ how the spaces at JHSB constantly change!

Photo credit: J. Church

Sources:

History of Pools: From Ancient Baths to Modern Backyard Oasis

https://beechmountpools.com/2025/05/06/history-of-pools-from-ancient-baths-to-modern-backyard-oasis/#:~:text=The%20earliest%20known%20pools%20date,purposes%2C%20emphasizing%20cleanliness%20and%20purification.

Jeppe High School for Boys Magazine 1941

https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/4C3B864BE0DDF1AF2437319219FBD81C/S096392682100047Xa.pdf/municipal-modernity-the-politics-of-leisure-and-johannesburgs-swimming-baths-1920s-to-1930s.pdf

Old Photograph - Jeppe High School for Boys - View of School Building, Playing Field and War Memorial Cricket Stands

 

Old Photograph - Science Lab - Ticker Tape Experiment

 

Recognize anyone?

Photograph by:  Rosemary Acton

Is the gentleman on the right perhaps Eugene Stolk?