UAE the next stop for Wittedrift teacher

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS – Mynhardt Krüger, the driving force behind the creation of the new Bitou Junior Town Council in Plettenberg Bay, has left Wittedrift High School to take up a teaching post in the United Arab Emirates.

Krüger's departure will be a loss to Plett and the school, where he was "very well liked and respected by colleagues and learners", according to Wittedrift High School principal Jeremy Marallich.

Krüger started teaching at the International Community School (Al Mushrif Campus) in Abu Dhabi on 2 January.

Krüger (29) joined Wittedrift High School in August 2020. He served as subject head of history, athletics coordinator, assistant first IX rugby coach, and, most recently, hostel superintendent and Bitou Junior Town Council coordinating mentor.

"He will definitely be a loss to the school. He was well-organised and everything he involved himself in he did with 100% enthusiasm," said Marallich.

Delight over Abu Dhabi
Krüger said he was informed of a vacancy at the school in Abu Dhabi and subsequently submitted his application. "I had to submit my CV and engaged in a rigorous interview process a few months ago. The panel primarily asked questions relating to my teaching methods (pedagogy). We ended up exchanging ideas on how to improve and develop the process of teaching and learning, across international borders," he said.

"I am excited about the journey ahead as I endeavour to further my postgraduate studies in the UAE so as to expand my skills along the way, in order to reinvest them once I return to South Africa in future."

He will be teaching American history to learners in Abu Dhabi. "There are specific historical events that form the foundation of American (and world) history. Events such as the War of Independence, the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and Civil Rights Movements are but a few of the cornerstones that form part of our past. As such, I am dedicated (as a lifelong learner) to delve deeper into further studies pertaining to what is expected of me and beyond," said Krüger.

His home away from home
"Plettenberg Bay and its people grew to become my new home away from home, which was Bellville and the University of Stellenbosch. I will miss the dedication of individuals, communities and even our local government who never turned an eye or blocked an ear where there was a need," he said, reminiscing. "Living in such a small town, it is easy to fall prey to sensational gossip stories but, concurrently, easier to reach out for a helping hand.

"Attending a recent event outside of Bitou's jurisdiction, it was evident what a major difference it makes when the local government is involved in maintaining basic service delivery. I was surprised to realise that what we experience in our surrounding town cannot be taken for granted, but that we ought to acknowledge the hard work of local government and the community to ensure a town thrives," he added.

Bitou's new Junior Town Council met for the first time on Monday 12 December 2022 in the town's council chambers and that was where Krüger said his farewell.

Fourteen of the 15 new junior councillors, from four different high schools in the Plettenberg Bay area, were welcomed by Bitou Speaker Claude Terblanche, whose office is responsible for the management of the junior council initiative.

The Bitou Junior Council.