Paul is excited to lead the marketing at Curro Secunda

Paul van den Berg began working at Curro Secunda as the new marketing official on February 1 and is excited about this new chapter in his life.

He is a well-known face in the community and on the cricket field as he has worked at various schools, doing their marketing.

Van den Berg grew up in Secunda and qualified for a bursary to play cricket at the North West University (Pukke) after he matriculated in 2000.

He was allowed to play first-class cricket in England only three months after he went to the North West University and decided to broaden his horizon by going to England.

“It was my first time on an aeroplane, let alone going to England,” said Van den Berg.

“The time in England was a learning school of life for me and a valuable life experience.”

Van den Berg played first-class country cricket for the Yorkshire Cricket Club in England for two years before returning to South Africa.

Back in his home country, he immediately ran out on the cricket field again when he played for Mpumalanga and the Easterns.

He returned to England two years later and again played first-class cricket in Yorkshire for another two years.

Van den Berg finally settled down in South Africa and worked as a senior fitness instructor at Sasol Fitness Centre in Secunda and later as the manager at the Sasol Fitness Centre in Bethal.

While he worked at these fitness centres, he studied at Boston Business College and completed national diplomas in Sports Management and Marketing as well as Exercise Science.

He later also completed a BA Communication Science degree and his Honours degree in Communication Science through Unisa.

He also played cricket as a semi-professional player during this time.

His career in marketing kicked off at Hoërskool Oosterland where he worked as a marketer for two years and also opened a cricket academy.

He later traded Oosterland for Hoërskool Secunda where he worked for six years as the head of marketing.

He gained valuable skills in project management during his time at Hoërskool Secunda when he ran the project of building the cafeteria that is currently at Hoërskool Secunda.

It has always been one of Van den Berg’s ambitions to work with the now-retired school principal of Laerskool Secunda, Marietha Cole.

Van den Berg’s wish became true when he had the chance in 2019 to work as the advertising and relations manager at Laerskool Secunda.

“In the interview, I still made a joke and said if Marietha leaves, I am also leaving, little did I know then that exactly one month after she retired, I would get another job opportunity,” said Van den Berg.

“Becoming part of the Curro group is a massive opportunity and privilege for me.

“Curro’s brand aligns with my values which are to be part of a Christian-based school, child-friendly, good discipline and 21st-century learning.

He is excited to be part of growing Curro Secunda’s brand and growing his career.

Van den Berg achieved another goal on the cricket field at the end of last year when he completed a level 3 qualification with Cricket South Africa.

Only 25 people in the country are selected to take part in this course yearly.

In his free time he still coaches cricket, but on a smaller scale or enjoys cycling and swimming.

Van den Berg also likes spending time with his wife, Laurika, and the couple’s two French bulldogs, Giovanna and Vivianna.

The couple enjoys fine dining, quality coffee and good wine and the South African Michelin Star Cook, Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen, is one of Van den Berg’s favourite chefs.

The couple had the privilege to visit France, where they visited Van der Westhuizen’s restaurant, JAN, based in Nice.

Gordon Ramsay is another one of Van den Berg’s favourite cooks.

Van den Berg invited those interested to take a tour at Curro Secunda and see what it is all about.

To book a campus tour, send Van den Berg an email to paul.v1@curro.co.za