Soenêtjie does not only provide children with a loving and caring place while their parents are at work, but it also prepares them for the challenges they will have to face when going to school. It also gives back to the community through training women from disadvantaged areas to start their own daycare facilities and provide age-appropriate education to the children in their care.
How did your business start?
My husband and I (Myra Steyn) both lost our jobs and our little girl was three years old at that time. I had to do something, but wanted to be with our daughter as well, so I decided to start a preschool.
Why did you choose this area to set up the school?
The school is situated quite close to Centurion Mall as well as other businesses. One of my considerations was also how quickly the school can be reached from many different areas, and since the premises are near the N1, N24 and N14 highways, it seemed like the perfect location.
How did you find your premises?
After doing all my research on the ideal location, I came across an open piece of land that was exactly what I had been searching for.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
The premises are right next to a main route, and since it was an open piece of land, I could build my dream school. I specifically wanted to build, because I did not want to go through the schlep of buying a house and then altering it to suit the needs of a school.
Who are your neighbours?
Residential owners.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
Since the school is situated in an upper-class area of Centurion and the security is top-notch with one enclosed boom being the only entrance to the neighbourhood, the sales prices are quite high.
What is your shop footprint?
The school is visited by 130 people on a daily basis.
Do you have any expansion plans?
I am not currently thinking of expanding the school, but we would like to see DeClick (the training division for ladies in Early Childhood Development) growing into a bigger venture.
Do you operate online as well?
The nature of our business only calls for a proper website, which we invested in.
What’s your most popular service?
I believe that the service we provide together with great value for money is what makes us exceptional. Education is our passion and we do not limit it to the children in our care, we reach out to anyone in need of it.
Soenêtjie Crèche en Kleuterskool
012 663 2795
Words: Zena Le Roux | Images: Supplied
