Numbi Primary’s former principal passes away
Johan van der Merwe will be remembered as a loving and caring person who loved his family and was passionate about education.
Numbi Primary School (NPS) is mourning the death of a previous and much-loved principal, Johan van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe was the principal of NPS from 1981 to 2006.
Some of his former learners still remember his humanity, discipline and ability to organise. They also said they learnt a lot from him as he shaped young people’s futures, and what they are today is in a large part because of him.
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A teacher of the school, Richard Makamu, said: “I have known Van der Merwe as a strict, dutiful principal who kept his finger on everything. I was terrified to death when his leg started wiggling up and down. But despite being careful as a staff member, I could always go to his office if I had a problem to discuss. He might not have had a solution right away, but I always knew he would think about it and then try to solve it. He always did everything fairly.”
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A former learner, Richard Bailey, expressed condolences to the family. He said Numbi Primary was built on Van der Merwe’s dedication and vision. “I was privileged to have been taught by him from 1981 to 1987 and cherish many fond memories. We certainly tested his patience and often faced stern and deserving reprimands. May his soul rest in peace.”
Van der Merwe was buried in Mbombela on April 26. He will be remembered as a loving and caring person who loved his family more than anything. Education was one of his passions, and he continually encouraged young people to prioritise education to open many doors in their futures.
