SASOLBURG – He once made headlines after surviving a brazen shooting during a robbery gone wrong.
Now, the beloved headmaster of Hoër Tegniese Skool (HTS) Sasolburg is back in the spotlight, but this time for a reason that has the Free State and Western Cape buzzing. Mr Dirk Coetsee is packing his bags and heading for what he calls “greener, windier, and far more exciting pastures” in a province far from the one he has called home.
After eight years at the helm of HTS, Coetsee is set to take on a new challenge as the principal of Jakes Gerwel Tegniese Skool in Bonnievale.
In an exclusive interview with Sedibeng Ster, Coetsee opened up about this new chapter and the heartbreaking reality of the school community he is leaving behind.
“I served the school to the best of my ability and enjoyed being here. I’m afraid it’s now time to move on to a much more passionate challenge,” he said.
Coetsee shared the remarkable story of how Jakes Gerwel Tegniese Skool began a story, he admits, that played a key role in drawing him to the position.
With a glow on his face, he recounted the almost unbelievable tale of how the topnotch school was founded and how it has continued to uplift its community.
“The school started with nothing except an idea from the business and farming community, who approached the department about building a new school. The people needed a school for the poorer community, but the department told them there was no budget. At least R60 million was needed to bring the idea to life.”
A fundraising initiative was launched, selling symbolic bricks for R1 each at a local Spar.
“In a couple of months, the community had raised R30 million through that project. Big businesses, farm owners and factories donated the rest to reach the required amount. Four rugby clubs even came together and cleared the land in one weekend, for free. It’s a long story, but you can understand why the school fascinated me,” he said.
Asked how he first heard about the vacancy, Coetsee revealed that he had been headhunted, along with several top-performing principals from across the country.
“The selection process was extremely strenuous. Several principals were asked to apply, and eventually only three were shortlisted – two current principals in the Free State and one in Limpopo. I got the job. Anyone would grab the opportunity with both hands to lead one of the most unique schools in the country,” he said.
Coetsee added that he is confident he is leaving HTS in good hands. In a statement, Governing Body chairperson Marcus Wright expressed gratitude for Coetsee’s selfless service.
“His passion for education, his dedication to every learner, and his unwavering leadership have left a lasting impact on the school and the broader community.
We know his legacy will live on in the spirit of excellence that continues at HTS Sasolburg,” Wright said.
