Venter brings new life to Joburg south preschool

When Moneriza Venter moved from teaching at a high school to running a preschool, it was more than just a career shift.

It was the beginning of something special – the chance to turn a quiet preschool in Aspen Business Park, Joburg south, into a place full of love, learning, and joy.

The school, previously owned by Darren ‘Whackhead’ Simson and his wife, Samantha, has been rebranded as the Mediterranean International Academy. The change brought fresh energy and big dreams.

“I come from a high school background,” Venter says with a smile. “But I felt it was time to try something new.”

That new chapter began when investor George Charalampous bought the preschool after the previous owners moved to Cape Town. Seeing the school’s potential, he invited Venter to lead it. She agreed and joined him as a partner.

A new name, a new beginning

The first major change was renaming the school.

“We chose the name ‘Mediterranean’ because it feels warm and welcoming,” Venter explains. “It also connects to our dream of offering international education.”

The new name reflects the school’s commitment to growth and its vision to welcome families from all cultures and backgrounds.

For Venter, the mission is simple: help each child grow, feel loved, and gain confidence.

“We want our school to feel like a family,” she says. “No matter who the child is, we want them to know they belong.”

The school celebrates its diverse community with kindness and care.

Turning a bare playground into a dream space

When Venter and Charalampous took over, improving the playground became a top priority.

“We knew we had to make it better,” she says.

Now, the outdoor space features rubber tracks, a water play area, a mud kitchen, and even a small soccer field. They added an indoor play area for cold or windy days.

“We want to be the best preschool in the south, so we had to invest in it,” she says.

The children love the upgrades most.

“They ride their bikes, splash in the water, and get muddy. They love every second of it,” she laughs. “Even if they make us a little crazy.”

Slowly building trust

At first, parents were unsure whether the school would truly change. But as improvements took shape, their trust grew.

“We started with 23 learners and now have 41,” Venter says.

She believes being present every day made a difference.

“Parents know we’re here. The children feel it too.”

To keep families engaged, the school sends newsletters and posts regular updates on Facebook and Instagram.
Venter also leads by example. She works in the classroom and directly supports her staff.

“I believe in being a team player. If my staff works hard, I’ll work just as hard.”

This hands-on leadership has helped create a positive, caring team culture.

What sets the academy apart

The school offers more than just a safe space and strong academics. Robotics classes are included in school fees, and a movement programme called the Tumbling Tigers helps children grow through play.

Small class sizes, personal attention, and a strong sense of community distinguish the school.

When a child needs extra support, an educational therapist steps in to assess and assist.

“Sometimes a child just needs a bit more time,” Venter says. “We don’t leave any child behind.”

The school nurtures all aspects of development, including maths, science, creativity, and emotional growth.

Looking ahead with hope

Venter dreams of expanding, but not just in numbers.

“Yes, I would love to have 100 learners, but more than that, I want every teacher, child and parent to be happy,” she says.

She plans to introduce more languages, music and cultural learning.

“I want us to learn about each other’s cultures and include languages like isiZulu, along with international teaching methods.”

With heart, vision, and dedication, Venter is turning a small preschool into something extraordinary.