About Us

As a Waldorf School, we at Khanyisa, recognise that each human being is a unique individual composed of mind, body, soul and spirit. For this reason, we strive to teach our learners in a creative, holistic and healing space that incorporates the three aspects that define a human being, according to Rudolph Steiner’s philosophy; the thinking, feeling and their will.

Rudolf Steiner said: “In every child there is a buried treasure, it is only a matter of knowing how to discover it”.

We are located at 4 Victoria Road in the southern suburb of Plumstead approximately 15 km outside the City Bowl Division of Cape Town. Our school is neatly tucked behind the Centre for Creative Education occupying the same grounds. This is the large Victorian styled building, which can be viewed from Plumstead Bridge. Our school cannot easily be seen from the road, however, on entering the premises, continue to the back of the CCE building and a set of gates will mark the entrance to our little school.

Khanyisa School officially opened its doors on 18th January 1994 after two years of planning, with only a single class composed of three learners and one teacher by the name of Veronica Jackson. It started on the impulses of Almut Kluxen, mother of Jenny, a pupil in need of a Special Waldorf School in the Cape Town area, and Judy Peel and her daughter Christy, also in need of such a school. That day saw an initial dream turn into a reality, which would ignite into a thriving and dynamic space for all children in need of the same type of learning.

Three years later, in January 1997, Khanyisa School moved to its current location, where it now boasts 6 classes (2 primary school, and 4 high schools) and many teachers. Sadly, Christy passed on in 1998. Since then the school has welcomed and said farewell to numerous dedicated staff and children.

“Khanyisa” is a word that means, “Illuminate” or “to light” in isiXhosa and in isiZulu, two of the eleven official languages spoken in South Africa.

This wonderful lighting of that dream into a living reality continues to thrive and evolve through the curriculum, the environment and the unique cultural identity of Khanyisa School, a special Waldorf school in the Cape Town area in the southern part of the African continent.

“It is our duty to be aware of the importance of our task. This we shall achieve if we realise that this school is to become the bearer of quite a special impulse. And so, first of all, we must direct our thoughts towards the consciousness that something special is to be borne into the world through this education.”

Rudolf Steiner (from “Towards the Deepening of Waldorf Education”)

Most Waldorf schools are self-governing and are not led by a principal or a headmaster, but are circular managed by a group of dedicated individuals who together form working groups. They are composed of The College of Teachers, and The Board of Trustees. Khanyisa Waldorf School works in this way.

College of Teachers

This group carries the role of the principal by taking responsibility for the correct education of the learners at Khanyisa Waldorf School. All pedagogical matters affecting learners and staff are dealt with by the College of Teachers.

Board of Trustees

Members of the Board attend to the financial and legal aspects of running the school. Through their expertise, proposals can be recommended and offered for ratification by the College of Teachers.

The Staff members at Khanyisa School are comprised of:

The Full-Time Staff Members

They include the Teaching Faculty made up of Primary School Class Teachers, High School Class Teachers and the Office staff made up of the Receptionist, Accountant and Caretaker.

The Part-Time Staff Members

They are made up of the Practical Skills Teachers, Physical Education Teacher, Eurythmy Teacher and Pianist.