Mrs Chloe de Klerk
We are pleased to welcome Mrs Chloe de Klerk who has joined the College Commerce Department to teach Economic and Management Sciences (Grade 8) and Business Studies (Grade 10-12)
Mrs de Klerk qualified with a BTech in Hospitality Management (Cum Laude) from the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein, before pursuing her Post Graduate Certificate in Education. She has real-world business practice in operations management and human resources to bring to her lessons, and a wide array of rich and rigorous teaching experiences from primary to tertiary level.
Mrs De Klerk has already made a strong first impression as a highly organised and committed teacher, who is willing to embrace fresh challenges. We are so happy to have her on our teaching team and wish her every success as she begins this new chapter with us.
Mr Khanyisa Mpumlwana
We are excited to announce the appointment of Khanyisa Mpumlwana, as the Head of Water Polo at Merrifield from January 2026.
Khanyisa not only coached the BCM U16 team at the recent IPT tournament in Johannesburg, of which 2 of our students, Joshua Talbot and Thuse-Omhle Ntsebeza, were part of the U16 team, but he has also been selected as the South African Men’s Assistant Coach for 2026, travelling to Malta for the World Cup from 7 – 12 April.
Over and above, Khanyisa has also been selected as the South African U18 Men’s Team Assistant Coach, which will be travelling to Rio Maior, Portugal, from 27 June – 4 July 2026.
Merrifield is elated to have a staff member and coach of Khanyisa’s calibre joining our community.
Ms Phelisa Yoyo
It’s an honour to welcome Ms Phelisa Yoyo as the Programs Manager for our community organisation, Ntinga Ntaka, and as Community Engagement Administrator in the College.
Ms Yoyo qualified with a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Information Systems from Rhodes University and has a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Economics and Business Studies. Her cross-section of experience from privileged independent schools to less-resourced schools positions her well for this unique role. In addition Ms Yoyo’s work as a university tutor, mentor, and more recently as Learning Support Agent supervisor for public schools in the Nelson Mandela Bay region, provided her with a powerful skillset to share with us.
We are thrilled to have her on board and wish her every success as she begins this new chapter with us.
Mrs Taniell Stuart
There’s a new face in the Prep Art Room and it belongs to the creative powerhouse, Mrs Taniell Stuart!
Well established in the creative arts space in East London, it’s a joy to welcome Mrs Stuart to Merrifield. After completing her Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase) through the University of South Africa, Mrs Stuart’s teaching career has been broad and varied, and her focus most recently has centred on the visual and performing arts. While art, drama, and dance are her passions, her contributions to schools include sports coaching and administration and community engagement projects too. She loves working alongside children to help them see and realise their potential.
Mrs Stuart is a vibrant mover and shaker known for bringing ideas to life and we can’t wait to see her how her imagination will bloom next.
Mrs Jacqui Potgieter
Mrs Jacqui Potgieter joins us in a part-time role in the College, teaching English (Grade 8). Mrs Potgieter graduated from Stellenbosch University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Applied English Language Studies, and Psychology and is professionally qualified with her PGCE. She has developed a rich toolbox of creative teaching skills from diverse school experiences and we are looking forward to all she will bring to our classrooms and our community.
Mrs Toiné Dempsey
Welcome to Mrs Toiné Dempsey who is joining ‘The Nest’, our Pre-Preparatory section of the school, in the Grade 000 class. Mrs Dempsey is certified in Early Childhood Development, play-based learning, and first aid. Her experience includes au pairing with families, facilitating as a teaching assistant, and as an educare teacher. We wish her every happiness and success as she leads and looks after our littlest Merrifielders.
Ms Jenna Gouws
For our new Natural Sciences teacher in the Prep, it’s a welcome back to Merrifield. We are absolutely delighted that a past Merrifield student, our very own Ms Jenna Gouws, has chosen to return.
Ms Gouws graduated Cum Laude from Stellenbosch University with her Bachelor of Education (Intermediate Phase) and is already enjoying teaching our Grade 4-6 NS classes. Throughout her studies, she gained valuable experience through her teaching practice, as well as her work as a teacher’s assistant, facilitator, and tutor. In addition she has been a dedicated and dynamic coach across many sports codes.
In her own words, Ms Gouws aims to develop not only her learners’ academic skills but their confidence, critical thinking, and love for learning too – both inside and outside the classroom. All the best, Ms Gouws – you are still reaching for those stars!