Alberton High School welcomed Lizelle de Bruin as its new principal, marking a milestone in her almost two-decade career within the same school community.

Her appointment became official on October 17, a moment she describes as the fulfilment of a long-held dream and a testament to years of hard work, growth and faith.

De Bruin started her journey at Alberton High almost 20 years ago while completing her first degree.

“I started here in my finals with my first degree, and Mr Mini was still the principal at the time,” she recalled.

“He supported and persuaded me to pursue my Honours, and later my Master’s. The school and the School Governing Body were incredibly supportive throughout my studies.”

She began as a post-level one teacher in economics before being promoted to the head of department for economics, computer applications technology, IT and digital technology.

Later, she served as deputy principal, overseeing marketing, admissions and school functions, all roles she believes prepared her for this new chapter.

“Alberton High’s staff is understanding and supportive. We look out for one another. We are a family, not just a school,” she said.

“This is a community school, so the partnerships we’ve built with parents and the community have shaped me into the leader I am today.”

Although she never initially planned to become a teacher, De Bruin says her mother’s best friend, the late Liet van den Berghe, the principal of Galway Primary, inspired her to pursue the profession.

“She touched students’ lives in such a powerful way. Watching how learners looked up to her made me want to have the same impact. I realised I could help learners discover their potential, even if their dreams seemed bigger than their abilities.”

Her educational background is equally impressive.

She has degrees, including a Master’s in Educational Management from the North-West University, which she credits for helping her develop as an educator and a leader.

A vision for excellence and community

De Bruin spoke about her vision for Alberton High, “My vision is to lead Alberton High School in future excellence, where every learner is inspired to reach their full potential and every teacher is empowered to innovate. We want to stand as a beacon of integrity, achievement and community pride,” she explained.

Her long-term mission includes promoting innovative teaching, fostering critical thinking and strengthening partnerships with parents and the community.

She is passionate about celebrating the school’s diversity and nurturing every learner’s talents.

“We don’t just want to educate. We want to empower learners to reach their full potential, whether they’re strong academically or more skilled with their hands,” she said.

“Our subjects like agricultural studies, hospitality and digital technology give learners practical, hands-on opportunities that prepare them for the real world.”

Faith and purpose are at the heart of her leadership

For De Bruin, her promotion is not just a professional achievement but a calling.

“It means so much. If you think of all that planning, it’s clear this is God’s plan for me and this school,” she said.

“With God leading me, Alberton High will stand firm. This is not my school, it’s His school. I’m just a worker for Him.”

She believes faith will continue to guide her decisions as a principal, ensuring that every learner and staff member feels valued, supported and spiritually grounded.

Looking back and moving forward

Reflecting on her career, De Bruin said the most rewarding moments are when former learners return to thank the school for shaping their futures.

“When past learners come back and say, ‘Because of Alberton High, I am where I am today’, that’s the most rewarding feeling,” she said.

“It shows that every teacher’s effort, from grades Eight to 12, truly matters.”

Her advice to aspiring teachers and future school leaders is simple but powerful: “Hard work pays off. Always push yourself to achieve higher because if you don’t, no one else will do it for you. When you have a good team beside you, it pays off.”

Although from Boksburg, where she attended Westwood and Hoërskool Oosterlig, De Bruin now calls Alberton home, having lived in the area for the past four years with her husband, also from Alberton.

As she settles into her new role, she remains proud of the school’s progress and optimistic about its future.
“I’m very proud of my school,” she said with a smile.

“The future here is bright.”