The Equilibria lecturing team brings professional experience and practical knowledge to our Christian gap year program in Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa. Our subject specialists help young adults develop skills for further studies, work and independent adult life.
From communication and financial skills to cooking, first aid, study skills and personal wellbeing, students learn from people who apply their knowledge in their own professional fields.
The Equilibria lecturing team complements our small core team with expertise from a range of industries and professional backgrounds. Lecturers bring practical examples, different perspectives and insight into the subjects they teach.
Students have opportunities to ask questions, explore unfamiliar topics and understand how classroom learning applies beyond their gap year.
Communication · Public Speaking · Positive Living
Petrus Jacobs is a motivational speaker, facilitator and Neuro Life Coach with almost 30 years of experience in personal development, leadership and communication. Through his brand, PetrusJacobsLive (“know better, do better”), he has dedicated his career to helping people build confidence, lead themselves well and live with purpose. His experience includes working with teams from Toyota to the Law Society of South Africa, as well as founding KANSVATTER, a national youth speaking festival. At Equilibria, Petrus brings this experience directly into the classroom, helping young adults develop the communication skills, confidence and mindset they need to express themselves, engage with others and step into their future with purpose.
Currently: Motivational speaker, facilitator & Neuro Life Coach
Teaches: Communication, Public Speaking & Positive Living
Wine Appreciation · Food Pairing
Derek Ramsden is a Cape Wine Master, sommelier, wine educator and wine industry professional with extensive experience in wine, spirits, food pairing and hospitality. One of only a small number of people to have achieved the Cape Wine Master qualification, Derek also received the Van Ryn’s Trophy for Excellence in Brandy and Spirits.
He lectures for the Cape Wine Academy and provides wine and drinks training to restaurants, hotels and lodges across South Africa. Through his business, One Wine Cellar Consultant, he designs and manages wine cellars and provides specialist wine advice.
At Equilibria, Derek introduces students to the world of wine and food pairing, teaching them how to appreciate wine, understand what they are tasting and approach alcohol with knowledge, maturity and responsibility.
Currently: Cape Wine Master, sommelier, wine educator & wine cellar consultant
Teaches: Wine Appreciation & Food Pairing
Financial Skills
Niekie van der Walt is a Certified Financial Planner and the owner of a PSG Wealth practice in Potchefstroom. He holds B.Com and B.Com Honours degrees from North-West University, with a background spanning economics, marketing, business management and market research.
Alongside his financial career, Niekie has more than a decade of experience developing young people through music. He serves as Director of Music and Principal Conductor of the National Choir Academy: North West Youth Choir.
As part of the Equilibria lecturing team, Niekie brings financial knowledge and practical business experience into the classroom. He helps students understand money and develop skills for responsible, independent adult life.
Currently: Certified Financial Planner & owner of a PSG Wealth practice in Potchefstroom
Teaches: Financial Skills
Fitness Skills · Self Defence
Hendri Slabbert is a gym owner, personal trainer, entrepreneur and community leader with more than 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry.
As the owner of Krag Apie Gym, Hendri encourages an approach to personal development that includes physical health, mental wellbeing, character and discipline. He is also an inspirational speaker, committed Christian, evangelist and Bushido practitioner.
At Equilibria, Hendri teaches Fitness Skills and co-trains students in Self Defence. He helps young adults develop fitness, confidence, discipline and practical awareness they can carry into everyday life.
Currently: Gym owner, personal trainer, entrepreneur & community leader
Teaches: Fitness Skills & Self Defence co-trainer
Culinary Skills · Health & Nutrition
Andrea Strydom is a Consumer Science graduate with a passion for food, nutrition and teaching. She holds a BSc and Honours degree in Consumer Science from North-West University, specialising in Food Science and Food Labelling.
Her experience includes teaching Consumer Science at NWU and running Andrea’s Kitchen, a small bakery specialising in pre-ordered sweet treats. She also presents workshops and online courses in artistic journaling and watercolour.
Andrea combines academic knowledge with practical kitchen experience. At Equilibria, she helps students gain confidence in preparing food and develop a better understanding of nutrition and everyday food choices.
Currently: Small bakery owner, workshop facilitator & creative educator
Teaches: Culinary Skills & Health and Nutrition
Mental Health
Natasha van der Merwe has more than 12 years of experience supporting university students individually and in groups.
She holds a BSc in Microbiology and Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Applied Social Science in Psychology. She is completing her Honours degree in Psychology at the South African College of Applied Psychology.
Natasha is also a DBT Skills Co-facilitator and DBT NextSteps Facilitator with the South African DBT Association. Her training includes foundational and advanced studies in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
At Equilibria, Natasha brings a compassionate, practical approach to mental health education. She helps students better understand themselves, manage challenges and explore constructive ways of coping with everyday life.
Currently: Psychology Honours student, DBT Skills Co-facilitator & DBT NextSteps Facilitator
Teaches: Mental Health
Neuroworx · Study Skills
Deon and Trudie Badenhorst are the co-founders and directors of Neuroworx Training & Development. Their work focuses on education, learning and personal development.
Trudie brings experience as a teacher, further training in psychoneurological learning difficulties and a qualification as a NAP Brain Profile Specialist. Deon brings extensive experience in training, communication and personal effectiveness.
At Equilibria, they introduce practical strategies for concentration, memory, critical thinking, planning and time management. Students explore how they learn, handle complex information and manage study-related stress.
The aim is to help young adults build useful learning habits and prepare for the demands of further studies and everyday life.
Currently: Co-founders & directors of Neuroworx Training & Development
Teaches: Neuroworx & Study Skills
Interior Design
Corne’ du Toit is a design and business professional with experience in interior design, architectural consulting, construction, project management, education and operations.
Her work combines creative thinking, practical problem-solving and business management. She is passionate about connecting people, spaces and ideas to create purposeful, functional environments.
Through her work in operations and professional committee leadership, Corne’ remains involved in the development of the interior design profession.
At Equilibria, she introduces students to the creative and practical principles of interior design. Students explore how thoughtful design can improve the spaces people use every day.
Currently: Chief Operational Officer – Olympic Colour Cafe
First Aid · Personal Development
Deanne Plunkett is a facilitator, coach and people-development professional with more than 15 years of experience in training and self-development. Since 2011, she has served as General Manager and First Aid facilitator at Alive First Aid Academy.
Her training includes First Aid Levels 1, 2 and 3, First Aid instruction, facilitation and assessment, along with Life Coaching, mindfulness and mental health.
As part of the Equilibria lecturing team, Deanne teaches First Aid Level 1. She brings a practical, people-centred approach to learning, helping students develop knowledge and skills they can apply with confidence in everyday life.
Professional role: General Manager, First Aid Facilitator & Life Coach at Alive First Aid Academy
Teaches at Equilibria: First Aid Level 1
Etiquette
Carina Lemon is a business leader, certified Image Consultant and Business Coach with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her career has focused on leading people, developing high-performing teams and helping individuals grow in confidence.
Alongside her corporate career, Carina founded High Thrive Co., a Style, Image, Etiquette and Confidence Academy that equips children, teens and adults with practical life skills and authentic confidence.
Her approach is warm, practical and grounded in real life, with a particular passion for helping young people develop the confidence and interpersonal skills they need to navigate the world well. At Equilibria, Carina helps students understand the value of personal presentation, social awareness and respectful interaction in both personal and professional settings.
Currently: Certified Image Consultant, Business Coach & founder of High Thrive Co.
Teaches: Etiquette
Work Ethics
Mirrycke Krüger is a Project Manager and Quality Controller in software development at Matogen Corporate Web Development, and CEO of Krüger Language Practitioners. She holds a BPhil in Ethics, Philosophy and Languages, awarded with distinction, and is a Golden Key member.
As a mother working in the software industry, Mirrycke has developed strong convictions about ethics in digital technologies. She believes that the ethical failures of social media companies should be known to all, and strives to live a low-screen-time life, utilising ethically designed software to support her in this decision.
At Equilibria, Mirrycke brings her experience and convictions into the classroom, encouraging young adults to think about their choices, responsibilities and the impact of their actions, and to approach work with integrity and ethical awareness.
Currently: Project Manager & Quality Controller at Matogen Corporate Web Development; CEO of Krüger Language Practitioners
Teaches: Work Ethics
Photography
Wesley Conradie is a full-time photographer who is passionate about people, storytelling and seeking adventure in the ordinary things. A self-taught photographer with nearly 10 years of experience, Wesley has worked across many areas of photography, including corporate, families, weddings, products and events. For Wesley, photography is more than a profession; it is a vehicle and a tool for capturing people’s most precious moments and stories. He aims to create and capture moments that are raw, authentic, vulnerable and transparent, celebrating people for who they are and the beauty and bravery they choose to share. A committed Christian and natural encourager, Wesley brings his passion for people and photography into the classroom, helping students develop their creative eye and discover how photography can be used to tell meaningful stories.
Currently: Full-time photographer
Teaches: Photography
Style, Image & Personal Branding · Relationship Seminar
Marné Puren is a devoted minister with 15 years of full-time ministry experience and a deep passion for healing, restoration and helping people live with renewed purpose and confidence. In 2024, she founded Inarah Ministries, a Christ-centred ministry dedicated to helping women find healing, deepen their faith and build their lives with purpose. Marné is committed to creating spaces where people can be authentic, grow in confidence and experience meaningful connection. Her approach is grounded in compassion, wisdom and authenticity, with a particular passion for helping others recognise their value and express who they are. At Equilibria, Marné brings this experience into the classroom, helping students develop healthy relationships, greater self-awareness and confidence in how they present themselves to the world.
Currently: Founder of Inarah Ministries & Minister
Teaches: Relationship Seminar & Style, Image & Personal Branding
Each lecturer contributes specialist knowledge to a broader year of learning and personal growth. Students encounter different professional perspectives while building practical skills. These experiences can also prompt questions about their interests, strengths and future direction.
Alongside weekly courses, students take part in individual career guidance, Christian discipleship and activities that encourage greater independence.
Our core staff provide program leadership, coordination and ongoing student support. The lecturing team adds specialist teaching across the life skills courses. Meet the Equilibria core team.
Equilibria’s core courses provide a foundation for personal growth and preparation for adult life. Individual courses may be introduced, adapted or replaced from year to year to respond to students’ needs and keep the program relevant.
The subjects described here introduce the expertise of our lecturing team; the course mix may vary between intakes. Contact Equilibria to discuss the planned courses for your gap year.
Spend your gap year learning from experienced professionals while developing self-knowledge, confidence and greater independence.
Explore the Equilibria gap year fees or view the entry requirements and apply.
Equilibria’s life skills courses are presented by subject specialists and experienced professionals. Their backgrounds include communication, finance, education, food science, mental health education, fitness, design and first aid.
The core team oversees program leadership, daily coordination and ongoing student support. The lecturing team contributes specialist knowledge and teaches individual subjects within the gap year program.
Subjects represented by the team include Communication, Public Speaking, Positive Living, Financial Skills, Neuroworx, Study Skills, Culinary Skills, Health & Nutrition, Mental Health, Fitness Skills, Self Defence, Interior Design, First Aid Level 1, Etiquette and Work Ethics.
Individual courses may change from year to year.
Lecturers connect their subjects with practical examples and professional experience. Students can ask questions, hear different perspectives and explore how their learning applies to daily life, further studies and work.
Not necessarily. Equilibria may introduce, adapt or replace individual courses to respond to a group’s needs and developments in the wider world. Contact the school for information about a particular intake.