Who we are

Juliana Rubain, born and raised in Ocean View, has a deep connection to her community. Witnessing the local needs and frustrations inspired her to engage in various initiatives to improve residents' lives. As the School Governing Body Chairperson of Jupiter Street Primary, which she helped establish in January 2019, Juliana has played a pivotal role in providing quality education to the community's children. Recognising the need for a high school in the area due to overcrowded neighbouring schools, she became a board member of Hope of the Valley NPC. Juliana has consulted extensively with community leaders, receiving strong support for the initiative to build a School of Skills in Ocean View. Her leadership in founding Jupiter Street Primary and her efforts to establish the new school highlight her dedication to education and community empowerment. Juliana's heartfelt belief in the transformative power of education drives her work. She continues to strive for positive change, embodying her personal motto: ‘I want to be the change that I want to see in my community’.

Andre Pretorius, a dedicated educator, graduated from Hewat in 1977 with a Primary Teaching Diploma and completed a BA Degree at the University of Cape Town in 1990. His career began at Heathfield Primary in 1978, where he became acting principal in 1994 and permanent principal in 1996. He played a key role in launching the PfP (Partners for Possibility) programme in Cape Town. In December 2015, Andre graduated with distinction with a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice from UCT GSB. He retired in March 2018 but returned to education in January 2019 as the principal of Jupiter Street Primary in Ocean View, retiring again at the end of 2023. Andre joined Hope of the Valley NPC recognising the urgent need for a three-stream high school in Ocean View, addressing the high intake from local primary schools and providing vocational and technical education to reduce dropout rates. His vision for the new school is to equip youth with the skills and values needed to become skilled artisans, ensuring they can provide for themselves and their families.

Nathaniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Stellenbosch University, where they laid the foundation for his deep understanding of business. Early in his career, Nathaniel honed his business skills in positions at KPMG and PWC respectively. He qualified as a chartered accountant after completing his articles. As a serial entrepreneur and social impact enthusiast, Nathaniel had a desire to identify market gaps and create solutions with real-world impact. Together with his wife, they owned Easylife Kitchens Kenilworth from the age of 25. Coming from the Cape Flats makes his perspective particularly interesting. His ventures spanned diverse sectors including fintech, education, sport and real estate, showcasing his adaptability and foresight in harnessing trends for maximum business advantage. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Nathaniel has been actively involved in the non-profit sector. Education and sport has been a core focus and passion as evidenced by his SAICA top 35 under 35 Influence award and being a Fiba basketball agent.

Eugene Daniels, a board member of Hope of the Valley NPC, brings extensive experience and a passionate commitment to community empowerment. His distinguished career in education and activism spans decades, dedicated to addressing South Africa's pressing challenges. From 2001 to 2012, Eugene was the Director of the Metropole South Education District, where he led initiatives to improve educational outcomes and build partnerships to support learners and educators. He later joined the Citizens Movement, aiming to mobilise millions of South Africans to tackle issues like unemployment, crime and education quality. As CEO of the School Turnaround Foundation and an operating partner within the WCED Collaboration Project, Eugene continued his mission to transform education. In 2019, he co-founded Jupiter Street Primary School, a beacon of hope for the community. Eugene advocates for academic, technical and vocational education in areas like Ocean View, Masiphumele and Red Hill, promoting a three-stream high school model to bridge the gap between school and work. Together with Andre Pretorius, Juliana Rubain, and Urshula Saindon, he co-founded Hope of the Valley NPC to support the envisioned high school. With Eugene's leadership and dedication, Hope of the Valley NPC is set to make a profound impact, creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Urshula Saindon currently serves as the principal of Silvermine Academy, a local independent high school. She previously served as Executive Head for Mondeor Eco School, an independent school in Somerset West. She has gained extensive experience in school management and teacher development and support. Her leadership emphasises strategic thinking, learner care, alongside a rigorous curriculum implementation. Beyond school leadership, Urshula has significantly contributed to teacher training and development with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and the Cape Teaching and Leadership Institute (CTLI). Since 2017, she has been involved with Reading to Learn South Africa, serving on its board until May 2024. She develops digital training programmes for teachers and has led the implementation of AI training for educators in the Western Cape. Urshula is dedicated to educational excellence and is actively involved in the Hope of the Valley Schools project. She believes education is crucial for our future, fostering environmental stewardship, technological advancement, and a sense of community and citizenship in young people.