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Caring for the KwaZulu-Natal community, The Newcastillian – Online News presents your free copy of The PEOPLE Feature – Page 1.
The purpose of the feature is to showcase various personalities who play a significant role in Newcastillian’s lives, influencing positive upliftment and change throughout parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Yet, for the most part, they rarely receive the public acknowledgement they so deserve. Therefore, in honour of our credo, “To uplift, inform and inspire,” join us in celebrating our first recipient, Pieter Hanekom.
As a Government school respected for its dedication to its learners throughout Newcastle, Northern KwaZulu-Natal—Drakensberg Primary has enjoyed successful transformation and growth over the past few years. Producing top athletes and quality academics, Drakies holds a secret weapon driving change and progression. The principal, Pieter Hanekom, has helped steer the Drakies reputation to new heights since taking the role of school head in April 2014. Throughout the years, becoming an adored member of the community, loved by the school children.
However, even though Hanekom functions like a machine, he recently had to take a few sick days for a medical procedure, seeing him stay in hospital for two days.
Hanekom had rheumatic fever as a child, causing inflammation, particularly in the heart, blood vessels, and joints. In his case, it affected a valve in one of the heart’s chambers. In March 2021, the popular Newcastle principal had a procedure done whereby his doctor performed an abrasion to the valve to help regulate the heart’s rhythm.
Hanekom smiles, “I always joke and say I am a party pooper in the evenings, because I start getting extremely tired from 10 pm at night. This is because of the condition.” Due to the affected valve not closing correctly, Hanekom did not always receive enough oxygen.
However, following the procedure, he announces he is now running at top speed. “I am good to go for another couple of years, and to work right up until I am 65-years-old.”
On the road to recovery, he affirms, he is eager for the next chapter of his life—highlighting that he will focus even more on his career. “The support I have received from the School Governing Body, my church, the parents of the children and the community has been unbelievable. We are truly blessed at Drakensberg Primary and I would like to help take the school all the way to the top, and be ale to see the children experience something new.”
This involves leaving a legacy that benefits children on various levels, from the sports facilities and activities at the schools to current academic books and lessons (including robotics), while jointly educating them on sound moral values.
Moreover, Hanekom says he is determined to see children with learning difficulties also reach their full potential, as he feels the sun should shine on every child in order for them to succeed.
On a personal level, he adds, “I still want to travel a lot with my wife and visit new places. My wife has already gone for her vaccine, and I am now going for mine, to make this possible.”
As an individual who truly cares for his school, team and learners, your contribution to humanity has not gone unnoticed.
Share your messages, stories or well-wishes in the comment section below and be sure to look out for the next person in the feature. And be sure to send your nominations to [email protected]
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One Response
Mr Hanekom truly is s go-getter and a people’s person. He walks a lot of extra miles where needed and the children and staff are close to his heart.