Caroline Hansmeyer

Principal and Yellow Group Teacher

I obtained my 4 year teaching qualification from Edgewood Teachers Training college in Pinetown in 1998. I have taught at various primary schools throughout KZN and have most recently been the head of Imps at Merchiston prep school.

I am delighted to be the principal of Clivia Pre-Primary and the Yellow Group teacher. I am passionate about teaching and assisting young families in raising the future generations of our beautiful country.

I am an advocate for protecting childhoods and ensuring that children get to experience a play based education. A solid foundation is paramount to a successful formal education. I have loved every day of my career!

On a personal note I am married to Joss and we have 2 adult children, Declan and Cait. We live on a farm in Richmond and we love the outdoors, our pets and just being together as a family.

Lynley Westwood

School Secretary

I have been involved as part of the Clivia family for many, many years. Firstly, as a parent when our three children all attended the school, and once they moved on to Primary School, I then joined Clivia, running the Aftercare and Holiday Care. In March 2003, I took over as the Secretary, a job I love as I get to work alongside the Staff and interact with the parents and the children.

Over the years, I have donned many different hats and the children when asked, will even say that, "Aunty Lynley plays on her computer!” Regardless of my official job description, to all the children I am, Aunty Lynley. 

I grew up in Zimbabwe and moved to South Africa in 1983. I am married to Neville and we have two daughters and a son, Caroline, Sherri-Lyn and Barry. Both our daughters are married and have blessed us with five beautiful grandchildren.

I enjoy baking, sewing and spending time outdoors with my family and friends in my spare time.

Noelene Malan

Green Group Teacher

Grade R

I finished matric not knowing which career path to choose. My mother, a nurse, had told me since I was a little girl that I will be a teacher one day. And a mother's intuition never fails. I job-shadowed at a Pre-Primary school and instantly felt that passion unfold. I completed my B.Ed Foundation Phase Degree through UNISA and since 2014, I have been part of the Clivia family, starting as a teacher's assistant and gaining valuable experience alongside my studies. 

In addition to my teaching journey, I am happily married to my husband, Damien and we share a happy home with two fur babies.

Teaching tiny humans is undeniably a calling and there is no better way to spend my time than shaping the minds of future generations.

Renay Santukh

Red Group Teacher

Grade RR

My teaching career has only recently come into existence and it has been an incredible journey thus far. I obtained a diploma in ECD through Oxbridge Academy. I believe that a Preschool is a home away from home and at Clivia this is most definitely what we offer. I have always had unconditional love towards all children which can be seen through my interaction with them. I don't look forward to a job but rather my happy place every morning.

On a personal note, I am a mother to an amazing 6 year old boy whom I love dearly. I have also developed a love for fitness and regularly attend the gym.

Kerry Walter

Rainbow Group Teacher

Pre Grade RRR

My journey as an educator began at the age of nineteen when I eagerly volunteered as a teacher’s assistant at a preschool in my hometown of Ixopo. That experience ignited my passion for teaching and in 2014, I completed my NQF level 6 Certificate in ECD studies. 

I taught for eight years at another preschool in PMB before joining the Clivia family as a teacher’s assistant in 2022, where I then took over as the teacher for the Rainbow Group from the second term. Working with this age group brings me immense joy, and the lessons learnt from my colleagues and friends have been invaluable. 

I am a proud mother of two beautiful children. Spending quality time with my family is a priority for me, as we create precious memories together. Additionally, I have a deep love for animals, and our home is shared by four dogs, two cats, and three cockatiels.

Simone van Staden

Teacher's Assistant

My journey into education began after matriculating from Teneo Online School in 2023. While I initially pursued a Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management through the Regent Business School in 2024, that experience led me to a significant realisation: my true passion lies in teaching and making a tangible difference in the lives of young children.

In 2025, I had the wonderful opportunity to work as a Teacher's Assistant at Hands On Education Centre. This experience solidified my career path and provided me with invaluable insights into the classroom environment. To further my commitment to the teaching profession, I have commenced my Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching through Stadio Private Higher Education Institution. I am eager to create a nurturing and impactful environment for Clivia's children.

On a more personal note, I believe in maintaining a healthy balance between work and play. When I am not in the classroom or studying, I cherish time spent with my family and friends. I am an avid sports enthusiast with a particular love for hockey. You might also find me out on the water, as I enjoy fishing with my fiance during our downtime. I look forward to getting to know all the families and being a part of your child's educational journey! 

Cheryl van Zyl

Aftercare and Holiday Care

I have been part of Clivia for twenty years, my happy place, a place I love to be!! I work with an amazing team which makes Clivia for me, a home away from home.

I am a proud mom of two grown up sons, who both went to Clivia and I have an awesome husband who loves to cook!! We love the outdoor life, camping and fishing together as a family.

I love working with the children and every day is a treat and exciting. I love all the cuddles and listening to their stories and watching them grow and develop. Every child is so different, but they are all special and beautiful in their own way. 

I always eagerly look forward to Holiday Care where the children, present and past enjoy a relaxed programme of fun activities and the ever popular, tuck shop! 

Mafusi Mokoena

General Assistant  

I started in 2008 as the Clivia Aftercare Assistant, working alongside Aunty Cheryl. In 2020 I became part of the morning Staff taking on the role of General Assistant, over and above that of Aftercare Assistant. 

I like to be at Clivia, as it does not feel like work, but feels more like home and it is such a nice family to be a part of. 

Aftercare and Holiday Care are fun and relaxing and it is always lovely to see the old Clivia children who return for holiday care after they have gone on to Primary School.

I have three daughters who are eighteen, eleven and six and they keep me very busy at home as they like me to read them stories and they like to play games on the tablet. In my free time, I like cooking and cleaning. 

Khombi Buthelezi

General Assistant  

I like working with the teachers because we all get on well and work as a team. I started working at Clivia in 2000 as the Gardener and General Cleaner, but over the years my role changed to General Assistant within the school.

The teachers know that I can be called on to help with translating and explaining rules, etc. until the child has developed an understanding of English.

Clivia is like my home and I feel loved and happy and all of the teachers are like my mum and sisters. 

I have a daughter and grand-daughter who live with me. When I am not at school, I like cooking and cleaning my home and every Sunday I go to Church.