Southern Cross Schools is situated in a unique learning environment. Our deep rooted connection to the environment, coupled with outstanding IEB academic learning, supported by expert staff who are innately able to connect with learners and inspire individual potential, provides an education of choice.
Located on a residential wildlife estate with over 1100 hectares of bushveld and plains game on the outskirts of the Greater Kruger National Park, our learners are afforded the opportunity to experience the environment on a personal level, encouraging them to acquire a genuine consciousness for the importance of sustainability on a global scale. With this foundation, we empower our learners with the tools they need to make a difference in our ever changing world. A celebration of diversity, progress and the power of collaboration, our learners emerge ready to lead and inspire change.
“We may not know exactly what lies ahead for our learners in the future, but we have the advantage of knowing many of the skills they will need once they get there.”
Moving into a new way of learning, Southern Cross Schools is modernising many of its learning methods.
A collaborative learning environment, together with focused and personal support from highly qualified teachers and mentors, allows our learners to discover who they are and how to apply their individual skills to the collective environment, both academically and socially.
We believe confident children achieve greatness. At Southern Cross Schools, our goal is to ensure that at every level, the learners feel confident, engaged, academically equipped and always inspired.
We aim to enable our learners to walk confidently into their future whatever it holds, with the academic achievements, practical skills and self-belief that will enable success in whatever they choose to do.
"The greatest gift you can give a child is confidence."
- Gill Porter
A dedicated team of individuals passionate about the success and sustainability of our beautiful school. Learn more about us below.
Jurie is the Chairperson of the Southern Cross Schools Board of Governors, a founding parent, and a highly respected local businessman. Alongside his wife Pippa, he is the owner of Djuma Game Reserve, located in the Sabi Sand area of the Greater Kruger National Park. With a deep passion for conservation and education, Jurie brings invaluable expertise to the board, ensuring the growth and success of Southern Cross Schools
Jenny has extensive experience in the Southern African energy industry and currently serves as a consultant to regional energy companies and public sector entities.Together with her husband, Colin, she owns Go Automotive, a company specialising in distributing premium automotive accessories to leading SA motor manufacturers. Most importantly, she is a devoted mom to Amber and Ryley, who have been attending Southern Cross Schools for many years. Jenny is passionate about providing quality education to the youth for a brighter future.
Nina is a co-owner of Tanda Tula Pty Ltd, which operates luxury safari lodges in the Timbavati Greater Kruger National Park. Her commitment to education is evident as she has three sons attending Southern Cross Schools and sponsors an additional six learners through the Tanda Tula Foundation. Nina’s vision encompasses not only education but also a deep investment in driving transformation and skills upliftment within the communities she serves. Her work with the Timbavati Supplier Development Program is dedicated to support the growth of the Wildlife Economy contributing to the sustainable, economic development of the communities within the region.
Richard has been a valuable board member since 2013. He currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of Thornybush Nature Reserve and is also the Chairman of the Thornybush Collection in the Greater Kruger National Park. With previous experience at Anglo American, De Beers, and Saint-Gobain, the French multinational, Richard brings a wealth of expertise to the board. He has been a resident of Hoedspruit since 2020 and remains dedicated to the development and success of Southern Cross Schools.
Maryam is a dedicated educator with a profound passion for helping children with learning challenges. She has been closely connected with Southern Cross Schools for many years and currently has 4 children enrolled at Southern Cross Schools. Maryam believes that a mother’s lap is the first form of education, and has been an online teacher since 2020, allowing her to prioritise her family while continuing to contribute to the field of education. She is enthusiastic about education and is committed to integrating the Tech revolution to facilitate transformation and development at SCS.
Michel has an impressive 38-year career in the safari industry, bringing a wealth of experience to the Southern Cross Schools community. As a former parent of a learner at Southern Cross Schools, Michel has a strong personal connection to the school. In 2013, Michel played a crucial role in establishing the Parent Teacher Association at Southern Cross Schools. With an inspiring mantra in life - "Empathy is the catalyst of my life" - Michel's compassionate and understanding approach influences his work and interactions with others.
Mike’s career in wildlife and conservation began with his pursuit of a BSc in Ecology, followed by a Master's program at Onderstepoort. After spending seven fruitful years in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve with his wife, Candice, gaining invaluable experience in wildlife conservation, they decided to relocate to Hoedspruit to enrol their daughters in Southern Cross Schools. Mike currently works for Conservation South Africa, a member of the CI Network, and leads significant efforts in engaging local communities in the Greater Kruger area in conservation initiatives and sustainable practices, making him a valuable asset to the Southern Cross Schools board.
Sue is a prominent figure in Hoedspruit, known for her remarkable contributions to education and entrepreneurship. She played a crucial role in founding Southern Cross Schools in 2001 and actively supported her daughters throughout their schooling there. Sue is a founding member of the School Trust and remains a trustee of the school. Together with her husband, Kevin, Sue has been deeply involved in the safari tourism industry for over two decades, successfully owning the 24 Degrees South Self Catering Portfolio. Her vision also led to the creation of the renowned Godding & Godding line of luxury bedding and skin care products, favoured by numerous up-market safari lodges in the region.
Sue's extensive local knowledge and strong environmental commitment make her a significant presence within Southern Cross Schools, where she fervently nurtures environmental champions among learners. Her diverse experiences and community dedication continue to positively impact education, business, and environmental awareness both in Hoedspruit and beyond.
Allan was Chairman of the JSE listed company Glenrand MIB Limited. He has always had a passion for wildlife, and was instrumental in the development of the southern sector of the Thornybush Nature Reserve. He owns shares in Jackalberry, Kaya Tula and Waterbuck Lodges, and served on the board of the TNR for 25 years. The ownership of Jackalberry Lodge brought him into contact with Sue Godding and her dream of a wildlife school. The idea fascinated him, and he saw it as an opportunity to give back some of the good fortune he experienced during his life. He formed the Southern Cross Schools Trust to set about raising the funds required to make the school a reality. He remains Chairman of the Trust to date, and represents the Trust on the Board of Governors of the school.
Lovelle comes with 40 years of executive management expertise in banking, finance and financial services industries. She has served as a director for Experian Limited, American Express Africa, and partner at Change Partners. Dedicated to the advancement of education, Lovelle's impact extends beyond the corporate realm. Since 2013, she has been an esteemed member of the Southern Cross Schools Board of Governors. In this capacity, she has provided invaluable insights and guidance across various portfolios. Lovelle also served as a director on the board of the Institute of Directors for many years and is currently a director on Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate Board and Rotary Club Hoedspruit.
Dick has an illustrious career spanning five decades, marked by his exceptional expertise as a chartered accountant. While formally retiring in 2010, Dick's passion for the industry led him to establish his own consulting practice, which remains active to this day. Beyond his business endeavours, Dick’s commitment to education and community upliftment has left an indelible mark. For over 35 years, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication as a trustee and chairman of educational trusts, playing a pivotal role in the governance of schools in both Johannesburg and Hoedspruit.
Currently, Dick holds the esteemed position of trustee for the Jeppe Schools Trust. This distinguished role sees him contributing to the betterment of institutions like Jeppe High School for Girls, Jeppe High School for Boys, and Jeppe Preparatory School. His visionary leadership extends to the Southern Cross Schools Trust, where he is a founding trustee and board member since its inception. Remarkably, Dick served as first chairman for approximately 15 years, guiding the trust with wisdom and foresight.
Philippe is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the corporate sector and a distinguished membership in the Chartered Institute of Transport. With a career spanning several decades, culminating in 2012 when he retired as the Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO of Great North Transport. Philippe's extensive tenure with the company allowed him to leave an indelible mark on its operations and success.
Presently, Philippe serves as a distinguished Transport Economics Consultant across various regions, including the Western Cape, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, and even extending his expertise to Rwanda. His in-depth understanding of financial controls has been a crucial factor in propelling the achievements of Southern Cross Schools, where his input has significantly contributed to the institution's success. Philippe joined the Southern Cross Schools Board of Governors in 2014.