In light of Hoërskool Riebeeckrand High School’s 30th anniversary, the Randfontein Herald sat down with principal Gerhard Myburgh, who joined the school in August, to discuss his vision, leadership style and the school’s role in shaping both academic outcomes and learners’ character.

Now at the helm of one of Randfontein’s established high schools, Myburgh said his leadership extends beyond administration to vision, discipline, compassion and consistency.

Since joining seven months ago, he has focused on maintaining the school’s academic standards while strengthening sport, culture and leadership development. From matric results to rugby fixtures and cultural showcases, Riebeeckrand continues to make its mark across the West Rand.

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Building excellence in academics and extracurriculars

Reflecting on the changes introduced since his arrival, Myburgh said there are a lot of new changes they introduced to ensure they serve both the school and the community.

“In my first interview, I mentioned that the school needs to be a beacon of hope for the community, and we are well on our way there. The school needs to be inclusive for all learners in the area so that parents in Randfontein do not look to other areas when choosing a school for their children. We must offer a quality education alongside a robust extracurricular programme for every learner.”

These changes include the appointment of disciplinary head Deon Greyling and sports manager Matt Snyman.

“The safety of learners is of utmost importance. In all schools, there are challenges such as bullying and disciplinary issues. When these occur, it is crucial to have experienced figures to ensure the safety of learners and teachers. Greyling brings years of experience in discipline, and Snyman will help our learners excel in multiple sporting codes,” Myburgh said.

Teachers are encouraged to innovate in the classroom, while learners are reminded daily of the standards expected of them.

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“It is important to have structures that accommodate learners in all facets and educators who are specialists in their subjects. This foundation starts in Grade Eight to prepare learners for success by Grade 12,” he explained.

Beyond academics, Myburgh placed strong emphasis on holistic development, aiming to instill self-discipline and time management as learners balance their school responsibilities.

“Education does not end when the bell rings. It is built on values, resilience and preparation for life after school,” he said.

Community, parents and celebration

Parents play a central role in the school’s development. Myburgh advocates for strong communication between home and school, noting that open dialogue reinforces a shared mission and ensures every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

“Our learners are our biggest and most important investments, which we all need to put time and energy into,” he said.

This year’s celebrations, marking three decades since the school’s merger in 1996, have already begun with the U13 rugby tournament, welcoming prospective learners for the coming year and beyond. The next major event is the school reunion on April 18, which will feature rugby matches, live performances and other activities to mark the milestone.

“In a period where education faces ongoing challenges nationally, steady leadership at the school level is critical. Through commitment, accountability and a learner-centred approach, we continue to guide Riebeeckrand forward, shaping futures one classroom at a time,” Myburgh concluded.