Calling Education believes in the inspirational and guiding influence of passionate teachers. We would rather have excellent teachers teaching in average facilities, than average teachers teaching in excellent facilities. It is one of our highest priorities to recruit outstanding teachers who understand “calling” and share our dreams for Calling Education.
TEACHERS & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Martin Botha
Principal & Teacher of English HL
Martin Botha
Martin is a born-again Christian and an English teacher who is passionate about Literature. He has been involved in Education for more than two decades, first working as a psychologist at the Child Guidance Clinic in Kroonstad, supporting the primary and secondary schools in the community, and then as a primary and secondary school teacher for the past 20 years.
Martin completed his school career in 1993 at Staatspresident Swart High School in Brandfort. He studied at the University of the Free State where he obtained a BA Degree in Human Movement Science, an Honours Degree in Psychology, as well as a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology. He furthered his qualifications with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from UNISA. Before accepting the position at Calling Academy Kroonstad, as founding Principal in 2022, he taught English and Afrikaans at Kroonstad High School for 16 years where he was also the acting HOD for English Home Language as well as the Director of Hockey. Martin is married to Megan and they have a counselling practice called M&M Counselling. In his free time Martin loves to read and is always on the lookout to learn something new.
Poloko Mosesi
Growth and Relations
and Teacher of Sesotho FAL
Poloko Mosesi
Poloko was born in Maokeng, Kroonstad. She was part of the founding class of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls where she completed her high school career. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Economic Sociology from Rhodes University. Poloko is a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Class of 2017. In her role as a Social Development Practitioner, she worked as a Programme Manager for an International NGO whose aim was to develop rural communities through Education. For four years she led the recruitment, educational and psychosocial development programme of orphaned youth from rural communities in South Africa. Prior to her current post, Poloko worked behind-the-scenes with the board of Calling Education and other interested parties in Kroonstad to conceptualize and eventually establish the Kroonstad Campus. Currently, Poloko is working as the Fundraising/ Marketing Co-ordinator/ Administrator, as well as the Sesotho teacher at Calling Academy. She is enjoying living in Maokeng with her family for the first time since she was only 12 years old.
Carmen Whindus
Head of Academics & Teacher of EMS, Accounting and Business Studies
Carmen Whindus
Carmen grew up in Somerset West, in the Western Cape and completed her BCom LLB Degree at Stellenbosch University. She left South Africa to teach English in Honduras and Thailand but returned 2 years later to manage a website development company for her father. After a year in business, she missed the joy of seeing learners grow and develop in the classroom and applied for an internship at Calling Academy’s first Internship Programme in 2021. She completed her PGCE online through North-West University whilst gaining practical experience and guidance at Calling Academy, Stellenbosch. It was a busy year as she also married Josh in June. Towards the end of 2021, Carmen was offered the opportunity to be part of the team starting the new Calling Academy in Kroonstad. She and her husband prayed about it and felt that it was indeed where God wanted them to be for this season so they made the move to the Free State. Josh also assists with the Connect groups at the school. They are both enjoying being part of God’s plan for Calling Academy in Kroonstad.
Janette Relling
Head of Sport and Culture & Teacher of Afrikaans FAL
Janette Relling
Janette, nee’ Van der Merwe, grew up and was schooled in Kroonstad. She studied at North-West University in Potchefstroom where she obtained a BEd Degree. In 2012, she met her soon-to-be husband, Werner, and moved back to her hometown where she began her career in Education. Janette and Werner were married in 2014 and had their first born, Jock, in 2015, followed by their second child, Liné, in 2018, and third, Werner, in 2023. With 9 years’ experience as an Educator behind her, Janette felt God’s calling and after much reflection and prayer, she moved to Calling Academy where she believes God has led her to be.
Bote Mkwanazi
Teacher of Maths & Technology
Bote Mkwanazi
Bote Mkwanazi is a passionate Maths Teacher, who understands that most things revolve around Maths. He believes that every learner, given enough time and attention, can learn Maths. He started teaching FET Maths in 2013 and is currently the Maths and Technology Teacher at Calling Academy Kroonstad.
He is also the co-founder of the organisation Microciety, which is helping learners from grades 8-12 with Maths.
Bote studied Information Technology at the University of North West (Vaal Triangle Campus) and a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Computer Sciences and Information Systems from NWU. She holds a Data Science Certificate from Explore Data Science Academy and PGCE from UNISA.
Lebohang Motaung
Teacher of English HL and Sesotho FAL
Lebohang Motaung
Lebohang Motaung born, raised and schooled in Kroonstad is a newly appointed passionate teacher at Calling Academy Kroonstad and is grateful for the opportunity she has been given to fulfil her calling.
She studied at the University of South Africa and obtained her B.Ed (Senior Phase and FET) in 2021 .She joined the Calling Academy family in January 2023 and hopes to bring value to the school and also to be more than just an ordinary teacher . The school has been relinquishing her potential and she loves that it keeps her focused and ready for new challenges.
Her favourite quote is by Muriel Spark; ‘To me education is a leading out of what is already there in the pupil’s soul.’
Hildegardt Bester
Teacher of Physical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Mathematic Literacy
Hildegardt Bester
Hildegardt was born and raised in Kroonstad. She matriculated in 2005 and went on to study B. Ed degree at the CUT in Bloemfontein. She worked for two years at a school in Bloemfontein but decided to return home. She has taught Natural and Physical sciences for the past 15 years and has been a marker and moderator for the subject. Hildegardt is married and has 3 children. She is a Christian and loves to spend time with family
Melindi Hattingh
Teacher of Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Tourism and Social Sciences
Melindi Hattingh
Melindi Hattingh, born and raised in Pretoria, is an individual driven by curiosity and passion for making a difference in learners’ lives. She matriculated from Hoёrskool Waterkloof and has a degree in Health Science specializing in Physiology and Psychology. With a background in being an assistant teacher in Pretoria, a teacher and principal.
She filled in at Calling Academy in Kroonstad in June of 2023 and knew this is where she wanted to be and that God led her there when they had to move to Kroonstad for her husband’s job. Whether she is engaging in specific activities or initiatives, like drama, athletics and cross country, Melindi brings a blend of creativity, determination, and empathy together with experience with writing and producing a short film, being part of other culture activities and sports at university and school.
Her favourite quote is from Bob Hoskins; “What we do does not define who we are. What defines us is how well we rise after falling.”
Nomhle Majavu
Receptionist
Nomhle Mojavu
Queen Morake is a dedicated student teacher(Intern) and netball coach at Calling Academy Kroonstad. Born in Bloemfontein, she moved to Kroonstad at the age of 9 and have since developed a passion for netball. With a strong educational background in Business Management (N6) from Motheo TVET College Bloemfontein Campus, she is excited to inspire and empower young minds in the classroom and on the netball court. She is committed to make a positive impact in her community and fosters a love for learning and sports in those around her.
CALLING TEACHERS’ ACADEMY
Queen Morake
Teacher Intern
Queen Morake
Queen Morake is a dedicated student teacher (Intern) and netball coach at Calling Academy Kroonstad. Born in Bloemfontein, she moved to Kroonstad at the age of 9 and have since developed a passion for netball. With a strong educational background in Business Management (N6) from Motheo TVET College Bloemfontein Campus, she is excited to inspire and empower young minds in the classroom and on the netball court. She is committed to making a positive impact in her community and fosters a love for learning and sports in those around her.