Koos Pretorius: Three decades of leadership and impact at Galway Primary

From devoted parent to school governing body chairperson, and now principal, Koos Pretorius’s journey at Galway Primary is one marked by deep commitment, focused leadership and a clear sense of purpose.

Three decades of purpose define his story. It is not just about career progression, but about a lifelong investment in a school community he calls home.

Pretorius’s connection with Galway Primary began in 1993, when his children first enrolled at what was then Delville Kleuterskool.

His involvement quickly grew, eventually leading him to serve on the school governing body (SGB), where he later became chairperson.

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One of his most defining moments during this time was helping with the transformation of the institution into Galway Primary School in 1999, a turning point that laid the foundation for the school as it stands today.

Although he had stepped away from teaching in 1988 to focus on adult education and management development, Pretorius reflects on his return to education as something greater than a career move.

“God had other plans; my journey back to education was guided by faith and purpose,” shares Pretorius.

When Pretorius stepped into the role of deputy principal in 2009, he identified technology as a key area for growth.

At the time, resources were limited, with only a few staff members having laptops, and communication relied on a single school email address.

Within a year, through strategic sponsorships, every teacher was equipped with a laptop, interactive whiteboard technology and a personal school email linked to a dedicated domain.

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This transformation ushered in a new era of teaching and learning, where classrooms became more dynamic and learners more engaged.

Today, as principal, Pretorius maintains a clear and focused vision: to ensure that every learner is equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary for future success.

For him, the future is not a distant concept; it is built daily through consistent effort from teachers, learners and parents alike. He continues to position Galway Primary as a centre of excellence grounded in quality education.

Asked about his leadership style, he says it is shaped by a blend of professional experience, mentorship and personal values.

He credits much of his leadership philosophy to structured development and the teachings of thought leaders such as Dr Arnold Mol. At the heart of his leadership is a commitment to collaboration and shared responsibility.

“You don’t need a baas at Galway Primary, and you won’t find one. I often tell my staff we are all partners,” said Pretorius, reinforcing a culture built on mutual respect and collective ownership.

Under his leadership, the school has grown, but like any journey, challenges remain. The school accommodates approximately 1,650 learners within limited space, relying heavily on mobile classrooms to meet demand.

Economic pressures within the Delville community also impact fee collection. However, through strategic partnerships, particularly with Macsteel’s corporate social responsibility initiative, the school has managed to sustain its standards and continue delivering quality education. Through it all, Pretorius remains grounded, attributing success to “the grace of God”.

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He shares the school’s 12 core values, which include courtesy, tolerance, responsibility, perseverance and respect. He says each value is given focused attention throughout the year, reinforced through assemblies, classroom activities and the school’s cultural practices.

He says this year’s guiding theme, ‘Rise-Up! Because it’s the right thing to do’, encapsulates the school’s commitment to integrity and accountability. Learners are reminded daily that they are part of the “Blue Family”, a community rooted in pride, discipline and belonging.

His leadership extends beyond learners to his staff, whom he supports through an open-door policy and a culture of transparency.

He believes in empowering teachers with knowledge, ensuring they understand not just what is expected, but why it matters.

He applies the same principle to parental involvement. Recognising parents as key stakeholders, Pretorius has prioritised accessible and consistent communication. He likens the relationship between parents and the school to “a marriage in community of property, the property being the child,” underscoring the shared responsibility in shaping each learner’s future.

For Pretorius, the most rewarding moments come from witnessing the success of his learners, both during their time at Galway and beyond. Seeing former pupils excel in high school and in life affirms the school’s mission and its dedication to it.

This passion is evident in initiatives such as the language lab.

“I want every child who walks through Galway’s corridors to do their best, perform well, and gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that will give them the best chance of success,” said Pretorius. He added that, as a leader, he would like to be remembered as someone who cared enough to make a difference.