Samantha Thomas - Managing Director and Principal
English and History
I’m Samantha Thomas, a teacher with 24 years of experience. Lifelong learning is my mantra, something I instill in my students too. I strongly advocate for critical literacy, believing it’s essential for children. My Honours thesis at Wits focused on critical literacy’s impact on digital literacy.
I teach skills to navigate information overload and interpret texts’ intentions, empowering students to enact positive change. As a mother of two, I’ve seen the shortcomings of traditional schooling firsthand.
Beyond teaching, I cherish time with family, indulge in my passion for animals, and enjoy horse riding. My dream is a holistic school environment where every child finds their voice and passion. At Legacy House, we’re committed to nurturing each child’s potential.
Vanessa Potgieter
English, Afrikaans and Life Orientation
My name is Vanessa Potgieter and I am extremely excited to be joining this awesome new school. I come from Johannesburg and moved down to this fantastic town called Plettenberg Bay with my family, during 2020. I am a qualified, experienced teacher with five years classroom experience and two years as a free-lance tutor, tutoring Afrikaans. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education through UNISA and I am also TEFL qualified. I have a great passion for teaching. My main aim is that my students learn in a fun, meaningful way and are able to apply what they learn. Every child learns differently and we need to create a learning environment that caters for every child. I am passionate about teaching Afrikaans as I feel it is such an interesting and descriptive language. My interests include hiking, walking my dog and keeping fit. I am honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to join this wonderful team of educators and this unique school.
Mauritz Lourens
Visual & Creative Arts, Life Orientation and Afrikaans
Hello, everyone! I’m thrilled to continue this exciting journey with you at Legacy House. Whether we’re bringing creativity to life in Visual Arts for Grades 10 and 12, exploring the beauty of Afrikaans for Grades 8 and 9, diving into fun Art projects for Grades 8 and 9, or learning about life and growth in Life Orientation, we’re going to have an amazing time together. Get ready for classes filled with creativity, curiosity, and plenty of fun!
Stephen Deetlefs
Business Studies and Economic and Management Sciences
I’m Stephen Deetlefs, a seasoned Business Professional with 37 years of experience in Banking and IT. I’ve managed projects, led teams, and held line-management positions until my retirement in 2007. Post-retirement, I ventured into real estate, lecturing, consultancy, and web design.
Teaching Business Economics and Accountancy at Deutsche Schule Johannesburg in 2015 ignited my passion for education. Recently, I filled in as an IT teacher at Redford House, Blue Hills, where I taught Java Programming. Now, I’m thrilled to join Legacy House Plettenberg Bay to impart my firsthand business knowledge and contribute to student success and character building.
Burgert Blom
Physical Science, Natural Science and Maths
Having spent nearly two decades in Europe, I returned to South Africa in July 2024 to take up a position as an Honorary Research Associate (A/Prof) in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Cape Town, where I am involved in the development of anti-cancer drugs—a role I continue to hold. Prior to this, I served as Associate Professor of Chemistry at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, following a decade in Germany where I completed a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Bonn (summa cum laude) and conducted postdoctoral research in Berlin. With over 25 years of teaching experience—spanning high school science, undergraduate and postgraduate chemistry, and including previous teaching roles at UNISA—I am deeply committed to student-centred pedagogy. I have consistently championed problem-based learning (PBL) and research-based learning (RBL), approaches I practiced extensively during my tenure at Maastricht. I am excited to join the team at Legacy House, as its commitment to student-centred learning closely aligns with my own educational philosophy and experience. I am also establishing a STEM consulting company called Launchpoint_STEM which will focus on academic advising and university consulting.
Neo Letsholo
Geography, History, Computer Application Technology and Social Science
I’m Neo Letsholo, a passionate educator who believes that education transforms lives and communities. With over seven years of teaching experience in South Africa and abroad, including time in Bahrain with the British curriculum, I’ve developed a broad and inclusive approach to teaching. My specialisations are Mathematics, Technology, and Geography across Senior Phase and FET levels, and I hold a B.Ed. from Sol Plaatje University.
Teaching, to me, is about more than content—it’s about character. I create brave classroom spaces where students feel safe to question, explore, and grow. I’ve mentored learners in the National Geography Olympiad and brought constitutional values to life through moot court sessions, all to help young people rise as thinkers, leaders, and change-makers.
At Legacy House, I’ve found a school that shares my vision: seeing every child as a seed of greatness. Outside the classroom, I enjoy photography, urban gardening, reading biographies, and spending time in nature—reminders of growth, beauty, and resilience. Every day, I teach with the belief that we’re planting futures, one student at a time.
Nomzamo Ndlela
Maths, Economic and Management Sciences, Life Science
My life’s work revolves around my profound love for education. I truly believe learning is a continuous, enriching journey. I find immense joy in both absorbing new knowledge and sharing it with others. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being in my element when I’m teaching; it’s where I feel most alive and purposeful. My goal is always to make learning as accessible and engaging as possible for everyone.
I hold a Diploma in Business and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which have equipped me with both practical knowledge and the pedagogical skills to make a real difference in the classroom.
I firmly stand by the idea that effective teaching truly begins with the teacher. It’s my responsibility to create a classroom where curiosity is celebrated, questions are welcomed, and every student feels empowered to explore and grow. I’m constantly learning myself, always on the lookout for new methods and insights to improve how I teach. This ongoing commitment ensures I can inspire and guide my students, helping them succeed in their academic lives and beyond my hobbies revolve around various forms of art
For me, art and music are the purest forms of uninhibited self-expression, spaces where creativity knows no bounds. I am deeply committed to sharing my insights, fostering artistic growth in others, and immersing myself within the unique mission of Legacy House.
Samantha Dale
Administrator
I, Samantha Dale, graduated with a university entrance qualification from a prestigious private school in Somerset West, Western Cape, embodying the vision and mission of Legacy House. Driven by my passion for hospitality, I attended the Stellenbosch Private Hotel School and gained extensive industry experience over several years.
Seeking new challenges, I have transitioned into the education sector and look forward to contributing my expertise to a private school in Plettenberg Bay. My strong background in service excellence, organizational skills, and customer relations has prepared me to play a vital role in enhancing the school environment.
My professional journey reflects a commitment to adaptability, professionalism, and meaningful community engagement. I am thrilled to join such a professional team and contribute to shaping the lives of our future generations as their administrator.