Mariska Pretorius adeptly blends her musical passion with a dedicated teaching career, filling her life with melodies, education, and student inspiration.
Mariska, aka Mia, is a talented individual who skillfully balances her passion for music with her dedication as a teacher. With a busy schedule and a deep love for both professions, her life is filled with music, teaching, and the joy of making a difference in the lives of her students.
A day in her life
Daily, she starts her mornings early, waking up at 5am. She commutes from Sunninghill to Kempton Park, where she teaches at Laerskool Kempton Park Full Service School.
Her days are never the same because she divides her time between teaching, extra classes, and netball until 3pm. Despite the demanding schedule, she finds time for herself and enjoys a walk and preparing dinner before her evening commitments.
Music is part of who she is
‘My journey in music began at a young age. As a three-year-old, I discovered my love for singing while performing in my parents’ living room,’ Mariska said.
Her father, who was Jody Wayne’s drummer, sparked her interest and passion for music, and it did not take long for her to showcase her talent to the world.
She then enrolled herself in a competition, surprising her parents upon their return home. ‘Winning that competition marked the beginning of my professional career, leading me to perform in shows and festivals.’
While she has written a few songs, she thrives when collaborating with other writers. She finds the process of working with other creative minds fascinating. Starting with a main idea or a story, Mariska shares her thoughts and inspires her collaborators. This collaborative effort allows the creation of meaningful and engaging music.
Best of both worlds
Being a teacher is greatly important to Mariska, and she takes immense pride in her profession. Teaching requires patience and strong listening skills, and she acknowledges the challenges of balancing her time between both passions.
At times, singing takes a backseat, especially during demanding periods such as exams. However, she effectively manages her time by planning her schedule around her term programme, ensuring she can fully devote herself to teaching and music.
Mariska finds moments of fulfilment in music and teaching that make everything worthwhile. In music, it’s the exhilarating experience of having the audience sing along and genuinely enjoy her performance.
As a teacher, the simple gestures from her students, such as drawings, letters, or hugs, remind her why she chose this path and perseveres through the challenges and discipline.
Currently, she is concentrating on writing her own songs. She plans to take her compositions to her producer for feedback and guidance. Additionally, she has lined up numerous shows throughout the year, and her social media platforms provide updates and information about her upcoming performances.
Throughout her journey, Mariska has learnt an important lesson: never change oneself for anyone or anything. It is crucial to stay true to one’s roots, remember where one came from, and remain connected to the reasons that sparked the passion in the first place.
This and that
On a personal note, Mariska’s journey is filled with unique experiences and diverse interests.
Born in Odendalsrus and raised in Limpopo, her studies eventually led her to Potchefstroom, where she pursued her education. Mariska’s close bond with her older sister, who shares her love for singing, was a supportive foundation for their musical pursuits. Fond memories of spending time with her father in the garage working on car engines hold a special place in Mariska’s heart.
After residing in Sunninghill, Sandton, Mariska attended Laerskool Krugerpark and Hoërskool Piet Potgieter. Her academic journey continued at the NWU Pukke University of Potchefstroom, where she attained a Bachelor’s degree in education, specialising in intermediate and senior phase education.
Mariska’s love story took an unexpected turn when she met her husband at university through his ex-girlfriend. Their connection blossomed, leading to their marriage in 2023.
‘Embracing life’s unpredictability, I find each day a unique adventure.’ While some days are hectic and filled with activity, others offer a more relaxed pace, even though her definition of relaxation may differ from other people’s.
In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, taking long walks while listening to music, and indulging in her fascination with serial killer documentaries.
If she could change something about the world, Mariska would instil a sense of empathy in every person. Recognising the tendency to become self-absorbed, she believes that fostering empathy is key to creating a more compassionate and understanding society.
In an alternate career path, Mariska envisions herself as a ‘doggie daycare lady’, relishing the joy and fun of caring for dogs. Her spontaneous and energetic nature, combined with her deep sense of empathy and love for others, form the foundation of her personality.
Text: ELZAAN PIENAAR. Photo: WILLEM BOTHA
Embracing life’s unpredictability, I find each day a unique adventure
