THE POWER OF THE VILLAGE

Since its inception in 1988, Slypsteen (Whetstone) has been in the business of honing the talents of young people to help them to shape their future. - like hunters sharpening their arrows...

OUR TEAM

Hans Oosthuizen/Chairperson and executive director of Slypsteen. After a brief stay of a few years in the classroom, he spent most of his 37 years in Education on District level for Western Cape Education while keeping track with youngsters on various levels of development during week-ends and school holidays.

As co-founder of Slypsteen with the likes of Tom Johnson, he was responsible for various community publications, video productions, workshops and performances. Extensive knowledge in various disciplines, including the arts, languages, sciences and human resource development.

His passion and respect for Life and Nature adopted from a rich historical family background was widely doomed and honoured during the volatile times of South African history. As Chairperson of the Interpretive Centre and member of the Scientific Advisory Body, he also served as the Premier Representative at the Cango Caves for many years. His involvement in the exploring and discovery of cave systems including Cango 3, is reflected in a lifetime of finding new avenues to approach upliftment and joy of life for all.

Tom Johnson: Director of Slypsteen, ex-school principal and Institutional Manager at Eden and Central Education Department. Deeply involved in community driven projects and upliftment as chairperson of Slypsteen Vereniging, the predecessor of Slypsteen Development Centre NPC for years.

Dr David Piedt has a vast experience in Education over a period of 35 years as educator, school principal and Circuit Manager for Western Cape Education. His passionate involvement within the community was honoured with a doctorate from the University of Stellenbosch where he also served with distinction on the Board and Executive Institutional Forum of the University. As former director of the the Southern Cape College for Further Education and Training, he is still campaigning to establish Oudtshoorn as an educational centre, where Slypsteen and TalkUBUNTU provides a platform to take his dream further into Cyberspace.

David is also known to be a motivational speaker, storyteller and author. His book, “Behoed en Bewaar”, is a well-documented reflection of his passionate life.

Osman Sadeck: ex-eLearn Advisor and now head of eLearning dept of Western Cape Education. Hands-on experience and in the final stages of completing his Phd in ICT. Practical experience in technology in the curriculum.

Greg van Schalkwyk: Head of the Academy for Maths, Science and Technology in Cape Town. Previously Head of Curriculum and acting Director for the Eden and Central with a wide exposure on international level. Exciting projects during his time in EdenKaroo with Hans, including the development of community radio with special focus on education and learning.

Flip Fourie, Treasurer Slypsteen and ex-deputy head of the Oudtshoorn Teachers Centre and deeply involved with education, ICT and youth development. Strong administration and financial background, including the development of databases for various clients, including the Klein Karoo National Kunstefees/Art Festival/KKNK.