After rising through the ranks and leading schools, Moneriza Venter has returned to what she loves most – nurturing young minds at Mediterranean International Academy.
Sometimes life takes you on a long journey, but in the end, you return to what you truly love. Maybe not in the same place, but for the same purpose.
For Moneriza Venter, principal of Mediterranean International Academy (formerly Simpsons Little Learners Academy), education has always been more than a profession.
It’s a calling that has taken her through the ranks of teaching, into leadership, and now, somewhat unexpectedly, back to the palpable joy of working with young children.
In her own words, her story is one of heart, growth, and finding her way back home.
A childhood rooted in community and connection Moneriza has lived in Alberton since she was two years old.
‘Growing up in Alberton was amazing. We used to ride bikes in the streets. It was a safe, loving community,’ she reflects.
She attended Laerskool Randhart and later Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School, where she was actively involved in sport such as hockey, netball and athletics, and eventually playing hockey at provincial level.
From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher.
‘As a child, I always played the role of being a teacher when friends came over. I believe I was born to be a teacher. It’s a passion,’ she says.
Although she once worked at a bank, her heart pulled her back to education.
‘One day I got home and said, Dad, I really want to be a teacher, and he just said, ‘You can go and study – we will support you’.’
Following her calling
With her family’s support, especially her parents and two sisters, she pursued a degree in education at Tshwane University of Technology, specialising in computer studies, business studies and economics.
‘My upbringing in a loving home shaped the kind of teacher I am today,’ she says.
After qualifying, she began her career at her former high school, Marais Viljoen, where she spent five years teaching and coaching first team hockey.
‘Back then, I was young and all about sport. But from the beginning, I always dreamed of developing as a teacher and making a difference,’ she says.
Growing as a leader
Her next chapter unfolded at Leeuwenhof Akademie, a private school where high expectations from parents and learners pushed her to grow.
‘I was very shy at first, but I really started to master my subject. Eventually, I became a subject head and then part of the management team,’ she recalls.
‘My principal there, Muneer Jakule, was a great mentor. He taught me a lot about leadership.’
These years shaped her understanding of school dynamics – from classroom challenges to decision-making processes that impact both staff and students.
The shift to Mediterranean Preschool
A major turning point came when investor George Charalampous reached out to Moneriza.
He had purchased Simpson’s school and invited her to head the preschool under its new name, Mediterranean.
‘This opportunity has been life-changing,’ she says. ‘I truly feel this is where I’m meant to be. This is where God wants me to be.’
The shift from high school to early childhood development was significant, but Moneriza embraced it with heart and humility.
‘Whether it’s a two-year-old or a Grade 12 learner, children want attention and someone to look up to. Teaching is teaching; the key is respect and love.’
A return to her roots
Though she now serves as principal, Moneriza is once again working closely with learners, especially the little ones.
‘At Leeuwenhof, I was still teaching while in management, but here, in the beginning, I missed that daily connection with children. You can feel isolated as a principal, even teachers sometimes don’t want to be ‘friends’ with the principal,’ she laughs.
‘Now that I’m back among the kids again, I realise how much I missed it. I feel at home.’
Lessons from the leadership years
Her time in management has equipped her with a deeper understanding of what it takes to create a healthy school culture.
‘I have so much respect for teachers, especially those working with little ones. People don’t realise how much energy it takes to keep up with toddlers from 7am to 6pm.’
As a principal whose climbed the ladder from the classroom up, Moneriza leads with empathy.
‘I try to be present, involved and understanding of the hard work teachers do.’
Building a family culture
For Moneriza , school should feel like family.
‘It’s important for our staff to love the children and to make them feel comfortable, no matter their background,’ she says. ‘I want parents to feel involved and welcomed. I often say, every day is an open day. Come see your child’s world.’
She acknowledges that challenges arise. ‘Families fight sometimes,” she says, ‘but what matters most is how people rebuild. Can we say sorry? Can we grow together? That’s what I try to instil.’
Understanding the early years
She is passionate about early childhood development and believes more educators need to be properly trained in the psychology of young children.
‘You need to know the stages of development. How to handle tantrums or a child who is upset because something is wrong at home. It’s not always about discipline; sometimes it’s about attention and care.’
Balancing leadership and classroom joy
With the help of a strong vice-principal, Moneriza balances her administrative duties with her time in the classroom.
‘I prioritise. I do the important admin first, but I believe that if I’m in the classrooms and present, the school will be successful. That’s where leadership happens.’
What keeps her going
Even after years in education, Moneriza ‘s passion remains unchanged.
‘It’s the kids. I love children, and I believe it’s something you’re born with, like being a pastor or a journalist. It’s who you are.’
Her idea of success has also evolved. ‘It’s not about the title of principal. It’s about constantly learning. The more you grow, the more you can give back.’
Advice to young teachers
Her message to young educators is simple but powerful: ‘Don’t give up. No matter how big your class is or how challenging the learners are, you’re there for a reason. You have a gift; live it out.’
Rooted in community
Moneriza believes that local connection is vital in education.
‘Here at Mediterranean, we have a mix of cultures from Greek, Chinese, Zulu, and more. It’s important to grow with your community, to be inclusive, and to make everyone feel seen.’
Text and Photo: AZUSAKHE LIMBA
