“As an educator, I believe it’s important to nurture both the classroom environment and the broader school setting. I’m excited to develop and promote the school’s sports and cultural programmes even more,” says Jacques de Villiers (31), the new principal of Pecanwood College High School.

Jacques de Villiers is the new high school headmaster at Pecanwood College.

“I also have ideas for hosting festivals that could bring the community closer to the school, which is vital because community is such an important part of education.”
Mr de Villiers previously served as principal of Curro Roodeplaat High School in Pretoria, a role he stepped into at only 29. “Luckily, I look a bit older – that sometimes makes it easier to connect with learners and parents,” he laughs. “I love solving problems, and from early on, I was involved in managing projects that eventually led me to join the management team at my previous school within just a year. I’ve worked my way up from there.”
Interestingly, teaching was not the career path he initially had in mind. “Originally, I wanted to be an environmental consultant conducting impact studies. I graduated with a degree in Geography, Archaeology, and Heritage and Cultural Studies, planning to pursue an honours degree next. But in 2016, while waiting to register for a few outstanding subjects, I realised I had actually graduated in 2015 and had missed the honours registration deadline. I decided not to waste a year and instead enrolled in a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Since then, I’ve found my place in teaching, and I’ve loved it!”
Beyond education, Mr de Villiers is an avid conservationist and serves as an honorary officer with KwaZulu-Natal’s Ezemvelo National Parks. “I’ve been passionate about conservation from a young age and spend time every year in the parks doing volunteer work. Pecanwood College has a thriving Eco-Schools programme, and I’m looking forward to helping it grow further.”
“Although I grew up in Pretoria, I only visited Hartbeespoort a few times as a child,” he says. “But I’m really enjoying it here – especially the Broederstroom area. There’s a strong sense of community and a small-town feel that reminds me of holidays on my family’s farm.”
He is looking forward to his future at Pecanwood College. “I feel honoured by the trust Pecanwood College has placed in me as the high school principal, and I’m excited to become more involved in the local community.”