Written by: Sophia Roman
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Neville Ontong hails from Kimberley – the Diamond City – in the Northern Cape. He grew up in a Christian home with his sister, Natasha, and twin brothers, Noel and Nathan. His parents, aunty Margie and uncle Thys, were humble people and loved God. Family life was everything to them.
Young and directionless
After Neville matriculated, he had no idea what he wanted to study, let alone what he wanted to do. His mom had a profound influence on his life. For some reason, known to her, she decided that he should become a teacher. She was clear about this call. In total rebellion against his mom’s choice, Neville totally disagreed with her. One day, she asked a local pastor if Neville could accompany the leaders on a church conference, as he was fresh out of school and unemployed. This was not what he had envisioned for his young life. Just to please his parents, he went to the conference. It was at this conference where Neville accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of his life. On his return home, he shared the good news with his parents. They were elated – it was indescribable, as they had been consistently praying for their children. In an effort to please his mom, Neville decided to register at a local college to study to be an educator.
Aunty Margie & uncle Thys Ontong
Fast forward to today
Today, Neville has been married to his wife, Cathy, for 42 years. They have two children: Daniel, who lives in Slovakia, and Debbie, who lives in Cape Town. Their two grandchildren are their pride and joy. Neville acknowledges that teaching has been his passion, calling, and purpose. He has been teaching at different schools and in church for over 30 years. This year marks ten years of teaching at King’s School in Goodwood, Cape Town, where they offer pre-primary and primary education within a caring Christian environment in order to bring out the potential that God has for each child. It is a loving, caring, and nurturing environment. King’s School has been around for 20 successful years.
Making a difference
He has experienced how the Christian curriculum stimulates the intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical growth of the children, inspiring them to reach their full potential. The school’s biblical approach is based on the example of Jesus serving and influencing the 12 disciples, building in them capacity for more. The learners form a biblical worldview that has tremendous influence – forming their characters and cementing them into a set of values based on biblical underpinnings.
Impacting the youth
Neville also serves on the board of the Independent Schools Association South Africa Western Region. He does presentations around the country addressing the importance of transformation, diversity, and belonging. He lives by Proverbs 22:29 as his motto, “Do you see a man who excels in his work?” God opens door for him.
Moms know best
Neville was strongly influenced by his mother, who could see beyond where he found himself as a young man. She was a mother who was clear about what she saw and steered him in that direction. Today, Neville encourages parents and grandparents to intentionally be involved in the lives and future of the next generations.
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Date published: 11/08/2023
Feature image: Neville & Cathy Ontong
SOPHIA ROMAN – pioneer, visionary and life transformation coach. Sophia and her husband, Theo, pastor the West Reach AOG Church in Mitchells Plain.
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