She takes over the reins from Marietjie Kriel, whom the owner, Riaan Venter, appointed to establish the school in 2023. Kriel has served the school with empathy and passion during this year.
“Strong leadership is the foundation of a school’s success, and that’s what Marietjie came to do at Mbombela Leadership Academy. We want to pay a unique tribute to the end of a career that wasn’t just a job, but a passion. As we know her, she is not retiring from work, instead, she’s preparing to take the path that the Lord will lead her on,” said Venter.
Kriel matriculated from Oranje Meisies Hoër in Bloemfontein. She continued her tertiary studies at the University of Stellenbosch, whereafter she was a matric teacher of Latin at Hoërskool Voortrekker in Bethlehem and Hoërskool DF Malan in Bellville.
She married Rev Koos Kriel, a well-known missionary pastor in the Lowveld. They settled in Mbombela in 1984. Their three children, Jacobus, Stef and Ansie, are all married. The Kriels are looking forward to the birth of their sixth grandchild.
Marietjie started a private school, Laerskool Koraalsig, in 1998 after she had received a vision from God to do so. The school was eventually bought by Curro Nelspruit in 2011. She was made the head of the Afrikaans department (intermediate phase) until she retired from her duties in 2019.
“MLA would like to thank her for inspiring the learners and staff. She moulded their hearts and minds, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. For her, leadership was not a rank, but rather a responsibility. The school thanks her for being an outstanding leader and principal. Her legacy will be fondly remembered. She went where there was no path and left an incredible trail.”
Kriel’s shoes are being filled by another remarkable stalwart, part of the education regime. Dr Lubbe completed her matric at Hoërskool Koster in the North West and furthered her tertiary studies at the University of Pretoria.
She was a matric teacher in home economics at Hoërskool Bergsig in Rustenburg and Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria.
She married Nico Lubbe, a well-known engineer in the Lowveld. They settled in Mbombela in 1997. They have three children, Hanru, Nihandri and Dini, who is married and have two children. Stephna was the head of Curro Nelspruit’s Grade Three classes for many years.
She has made a significant contribution as the deputy principal of MLA this year, as well as a Grade Three teacher. She is an excellent, much-loved, supportive and passionate teacher. In her soft-spoken manner, she provides just the right boundaries for her learners to feel safe and to know their work ethics.
Stephna’s colleagues respect and honour her for the tireless energy, hard work and perfectionism, as well as for the excellent decision-making skills. She cares deeply for every staff member and is their prayer warrior. She serves God compassionately.
It is with gratitude that MLA says goodbye to Mrs Kriel and with great expectations that we look forward to the leadership of Dr Lubbe in
the future.
