Curro Holdings, the JSE-listed independent school group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rickert Jacobs as the new Executive Head of Walvis Bay Gymnasium in the Erongo region of Namibia. With more than two decades of educational experience, Jacobs previously served as the Head of High School at Curro Kathu in South Africa’s Northern Cape province. He says his aim is to “influence those in my sphere so that the gamechangers in our society can multiply” and that his educational philosophy centres on empowering staff members to do the same. “I’m excited by the new opportunity to grow as a professional and person and to get to grips with a new schooling system,” he says. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and seeing how they develop and grow – both staff and learners. If this is the focus – the results and performances will speak for themselves.”

Jacobs holds a B.Com Financial Management from RAU (now University of Johannesburg), where he also did his Honours, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from UNISA. He has taught accounting, business studies, and economic and management studies (EMS), and has coached rugby at provincial level in South Africa (Griquas Platteland U/16). He holds a World Rugby Level 2 certified coaching qualification. Curro believes that he is the right fit to not only build strong relationships with learners, staff and parents, but to ensure good discipline and to develop the school’s sports offering to a new level. “We are excited to see Rickert’s skills in action at Walvis Bay Gymnasium,” says Colette Rieckert, Managing Director for Curro Education in Namibia. “We have built a beautiful school, focused on providing learners with a high-quality education incorporating academics, physical health and emotional well-being to empower them to become the leaders of the future. We know that improving our sports offering will help us to attract more learners and Rickert’s background as both an experienced educator and coach will stand us in good stead as we focus on solidifying our reputation for quality, holistic education in Namibia.”

Rickert Jacobs