Stories of resilience, dedication, and success from our past learners and teachers.
From scholars who have gone on to excel in their fields to teachers who dedicate their lives to uplifting the next generation, these journeys inspire us all.
Joseph grew up in the Winterberg farming community and attended the Winterberg School Trust from 2000 to 2011. He excelled in his studies and was recognised as a student with huge potential.
He received sponsorship and a bursary to attend St Andrew’s College in Makhanda, where he continued to make us proud. Joseph then graduated from Rhodes University with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Management and Economics. He has gone on to gain valuable experience in the working world, a testament to his hard work and the support he received along the way.
Phyllis has taught at the Winterberg School Trust for the best part of three decades, beginning her journey working at one of the farm schools. She showed great potential and passion for teaching, so the Trust supported her in obtaining her qualification, after which she became a permanent member of the staff.
Her passion and commitment to the Winterberg community is at the heart of our school, continually inspiring fellow teachers, students and parents alike. Today, she teaches in the Foundation Phase and plays a vital role on our management team, bringing 30 years of experience and deep knowledge of the community we serve.
Cindy and Nombulelo, both former learners of the Winterberg School Trust, are now teaching at the school while pursuing their Bachelor of Education degrees, funded by the Trust.
Their journey exemplifies the Trust’s commitment to empowering its learners and nurturing the next generation of professionals, paving the way for a brighter future. These two teachers bring such passion and energy to their classroom spaces and have fostered a love for learning in all the children who have passed through their care. Cindy and Nombulelo are wonderful examples of the character and talent that the Winterberg School Trust strives to develop in our learners.
Siphamandla faced a challenging upbringing, marked by great tragedy, having lost both his parents at a young age. Living on a farm in the Winterberg, he attended the Winterberg School Trust until the end of Grade 7, where his talents shone both academically and on the sports field. He was then awarded a bursary to attend Queen’s College.
While there, Siphamandla demonstrated promise in sports but unfortunately became involved with the wrong crowd. To provide him with the stability and emotional support he needed, it was decided to bring him back ‘home’ and enrol him in online learning, where he could work from the Winterberg School premises.
Now in Grade 10, studying through UCT Online High School, Siphamandla has made us incredibly proud with how far he has come. He has not missed a day of school since starting at the beginning of 2024 and has shown remarkable determination during a time that has not been easy for him. He continues to participate in sports whenever possible and runs daily from his home on a nearby farm to school to stay active.
His resilience and determination inspire many, and he has become a big brother that many of the children at the Winterberg School Trust look up to.
© All Rights Reserved 2025 | WINTERBERG SCHOOL TRUST | TM 1272 (E) | 020-729-NPO | PBO 18/11/13/1688 | Section 18A Tax Status (RSA)
In collaboration with SimonSAYS and Perfect Circle.
Banking details: Winterberg School Trust
Bank Name: FNB
Account No: 53850005639
Branch Code: 250655
International Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: Your Name
