Douw Grobler on passion, change and legacy at PCS

Quick read: 

• Douw Grobler is the deputy principal at Pietersburg Comprehensive School (PCS).

• He initially received a scholarship to study human resources but chose to pursue teaching after tutoring classmates in Grade 12.

• Grobler began his career at Laerskool Ivypark, where he worked for 14 years and rose to the position of deputy principal.

• He holds an honours degree in school management (cum laude) and is currently pursuing a master’s degree.

• He joined PCS in 2023, describing the experience as a fresh start with new challenges.

• Grobler encountered resistance when introducing change but believes adapting is essential in education.

• His goal is to make a lasting impact on learners and shape future decision-makers.

• Read the full story below

Full story 

POLOKWANE – “When you’re in education, you’re here to serve, not to be served.”

This is the belief that keeps Douw Grobler’s engine running as the deputy principal at Pietersburg Comprehensive School (PCS).

Grobler joined the PCS team last year after 14 years at Laerskool Ivypark.

Interestingly, his journey into education wasn’t straightforward. He initially received a scholarship to study human resources, but while tutoring classmates in Gr 12, he discovered a passion for teaching.

“I realised HR wasn’t what I wanted to do. I had fallen in love with teaching,” he said.

Having grown up with strong role models who were teachers, the profession left a lasting impression on him.

Although his parents were disappointed when he turned down the scholarship, Grobler was determined to follow his heart.

He began his teaching career at Ivypark as a student teacher while studying towards his degree.

He later graduated cum laude with an honours degree in school management, and he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational management.

During his time at Ivypark, Grobler steadily worked his way up the ranks and was appointed deputy principal.

“I was responsible for Gr 4-7. It was challenging because I was still very young, and some of my colleagues were much older than me.”

Joining PCS brought its own set of challenges.

“It felt like being in Gr 1. I was sitting in the staffroom, looking around at all the unfamiliar faces, ” he said.

Despite the transition, Grobler remains passionate about working directly with learners and continuing his love for teaching.

“Being a deputy is a lot of work, but I enjoy every moment. I’m constantly running around, but I have the support of great HODs. When I joined PCS, the principal gave me space to observe how things work and slowly implement changes.”

Naturally, change came with some resistance.

“I did receive a bit of pushback,” he admitted. “That’s normal, especially when you’re changing a system that’s been in place for 30 years. But education evolves. If we don’t adapt, we risk failing our learners.”

Grobler’s vision is clear: to leave behind a legacy that reflects real impact in the lives of young people.

“The children we teach today will be the decision-makers of tomorrow. If I can influence how they think and behave in society, I’ll consider my job well done.”