There are many famous people who grew up on the West Rand, but there is a handful of legends who have contributed enormously in their field of expertise, to benefit future generations.
One of these legends is Stoffel Nel, whose contribution in the field of education has gone a long way. He has been instrumental in the success of three of the top independent schools in the area, as well as one public school.
Born Jan Abraham Christoffel Nel, he dreamed of becoming a teacher at the young age of 10 years old. He stayed true to his dream and studied towards a teaching qualification and secured his first job at Laerskool Voorbrand.
He qualified as a provincial rugby referee during his eight-year tenure at Laerskool Voorbrand.
Stoffel took charge of the whistle in 65 provincial matches, countless Currie Cup games and a few International touring games too.
At 34 years of age, he became the principal of Robertsham Primary, in the south of Johannesburg, a school he led for 20 years.
Many of his fondest memories of education were made during this time. He improved his educational qualifications and gained a solid reputation as a outstanding educator.
“The then Transvaal Education Department requested me to a launch a principal’s forum, for about 30 primary and high schools in Johannesburg. It is still something that I’m extremely proud of,” Nel admitted.
At the turn of the millennium, Nel’s career took a whole new direction, when he moved to the West Rand, to head up a brand new fledgling school in Ruimsig. Having been employed by the then owner Gideon van Niekerk, he had the distinct pleasure of shaping Maragon School in its pioneering stages and was responsible for its rapid growth from the outset. He retired after helping out as the principal of Boskop Primary school.
This is not the man who sees retirement as sitting outside a little cottage by the sea. No, this is a man who believes in contributing where there is a need, who works hard to establish success for the coming generation, who believes in serving before being served. Therefore, he moved to Charter House School instead, where he served as operations manager for five years and helped the school to grow from strength to strength.
Today he is the curator at The Kings School West Rand.
The principal of The Kings School, Mr Ken Langley, has only good things to say about Nel.
“I cannot begin to tell you how much of a difference Nel has made at our school. He is innovative and imaginative, and always has some surprise up his sleeve, in terms of a new garden or feature to improve the aesthetic appeal of our campus,” Langley said.
