De Kuilen High School

Carel van der Merwe, a loose forward known for his impressive 1.97m height and 112kg weight, honed his rugby skills at De Kuilen High School. This seemingly ordinary high school, located on Church Street in the Kuilsrivier suburb of Cape Town, played a pivotal role in shaping Van der Merwe’s athletic journey. De Kuilen High School is more than just a place of learning. It’s a launchpad for future stars, a testament to the power of education and sport in South Africa. Founded in Kuilsrivier, this public secondary school serves the Elim community. De Kuilen High School, a Quintile 5 school, operates as a fee-paying institution to supplement government funding which only provides up to R204 per learner. This allows the school to provide resources and opportunities to its diverse student body. In 2023, De Kuilen High School had a student population of 1506 learners and a dedicated team of 62 educators, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 24:1. This relatively small class size fosters a supportive learning environment where students like Van der Merwe could thrive. Beyond academics, De Kuilen High School encourages student participation in a variety of extracurricular activities, including soccer, athletics, netball, and speech. Van der Merwe wasn’t the only De Kuilen High School alumnus to make a name for himself in rugby. Ethan Regue, a centre, also attended De Kuilen High School before joining the Maties 1st XV in 2024. The success of these athletes highlights De Kuilen High School’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a passion for sports. So, as you stand before De Kuilen High School, remember that within these walls, dreams are ignited, talents are nurtured, and future stars are born. De Kuilen High School stands as a symbol of community, opportunity, and the pursuit of excellence in education and sport.