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Board Members

Scott Schreuder, Chairman

Having attained a Bsc in Sports Science he went on to complete numerous other qualifications including those from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association and being a Strength and Conditioning coach. He has worked on a regional, national and EXCO level for the two major gym chains in South Africa namely Virgin Active and Planet Fitness. He is an internationally acclaimed Master Trainer and presents at various seminars and workshops around the world including IDEA World Fitness Convention. As well as being the Strength and Conditioning coach for many Regional, National and International sporting teams. Being South Africa’s leading Functional Trainer, Scott is the International Master Trainer for products such as TRX, ViPR, TP Performance and many more. He is South Africa’s only 5-star rated international presenter, as rated by IDEA Fitness Association, the world largest Fitness organization.


Kyrie Levington, Member

Kyrie Hardiman was born in the United Kingdom in 1964. From 1984 she worked as a professional dancer, in London, performing with The Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Dance Unlimited, and other renowned dance companies. She also taught classical ballet and contemporary dance and worked as a choreographer and assistant director for several operas in London, Glasgow and Berkshire. In 2002 she retired from dancing and moved to South Africa. Kyrie was certified as a Pilate’s instructor in 2003 and opened her own studio, PilatesHere, in 2004 where she continues to teach and run Teacher Training Courses. She qualified as Fitness Professional with eta in 2012 and has added personal Training to her teaching skills.


Deon Scheppel, Member

National Product Training Manager, Virgin Active South Africa Born and raised in Durban South Africa, Deon could always be found outdoors developing his love for sport and fitness, which is what prompted him to complete an Honours Degree in Sport Science at Stellenbosch University. After completing his studies, Deon worked for Virgin Active in both South Africa and the UK in various, fitness, management and training roles. While in London he grew his passion for developing others by moving into the field of corporate organisational development in healthcare. This prompted him to return to school to study part-time where he completed various qualifications culminating in his Master’s degree in Human resource development from Westminster University. After 11 years living and working in the UK, the decision was made to move back to SA with his wife and 2 children. At the end of 2014 Deon took up the role of National Product Training Manager for Virgin Active South Africa. When not working on learning and development projects, Deon tries to keep fit swimming, cycling and running long distances in the great outdoors. He also dabbles in photography and videography, enjoying the creative and expressive outlet that these hobbies afford him

 

Linda Halliday, Member

Linda Halliday is Managing Director of the eta. Linda’s is responsible for the development of eta’s curriculum, including programme development for qualifications in sport and fitness. Her work involves management of the eta campuses, their facilities and learning programmes, to ensure that they meet the quality assurance requirements of the quality assurance bodies and the legal requirements of the Department of Higher Education and Training. Linda has more than twenty-years of experience in the fitness industry; having worked for various clubs and run her own studio. She took over the eta in 1994. Linda is currently busy with post graduate course work towards a Master’s degree in Higher Education Studies at the University of Cape Town.

 

Desiree Vardhan, Member

Desiree Vardhan’s vision is to transform sport through sports coaching. Desiree is a qualified biokineticist. Some of her leadership positions include: executive and board member- International Council of Coaching Excellence (ICCE), World Anti-Doping Agency- Education member, Steering Committee member- Physical Education Institute of SA (PEISA), director of sport at the University of Kwazululu Natal and Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. Desiree is the driving force behind the South African Coaching Framework and the recently recognized Professional body for Sports Coaching in SA- CASA. She was influential in establishing 9 sports coaching designations with SAQA. She had also led the Recognition of Prior learning programme for SA sports coaching that commenced in 2014.


Rene Botes , Member

The old adage “Knowledge is Power” rings true when one is involved in upskilling the sport and fitness industry. Growth is dependent on knowledge, passion and perseverance. René’s passion is to upskill those who have the internal drive to develop their skills and knowledge to become great sport and fitness professionals.

René specialised in Long Term Talent Development with focus on the sports code swimming (MPhil Sport Science). She gained experience in education over the past 16 years lecturing at both public and private tertiary institutes. René is not only a lifelong learner but a lifelong athlete. She participates in formal sport and sits on the board of Central Gauteng Modern Biathlon.

As Principal of HFPA and board member of REPSSA René is poised to further her aims in promoting sport and fitness.

Qualifications:

  • MPhil Sports Science
  • BA Hons Sport Science
  • BA Health Sciences
  • Qualified Assessor and Moderator
  • CYQ:  Certificate in Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector (PTTLS)


Mandla Amos Nhleko, Member

Known in the fitness arena as Mr Born To Move, for his belief and methods of functional training and that people were born to move and functional not to sit long hours without moving. He is the founder and director of 365 Functional Training that specializes in weight-loss, strength and conditioning training, functional training, sports specific training and strength training. Having attained a certificate in exercise specialist with sports condition, he also believes that improving ones skills and knowledge is important, and he is currently working on completing a qualification in national certificate in sports management. He also completed numerous other qualifications including, diploma in exercise science, certificate in sports massage therapist, and certificate in functional training and certificate in applied sports psychology level 1.

He is an ambassador for NPL (Nutritional Performance Labs), and HFPA (Health and Fitness Professionals Academy), where he lectures some of their short courses like BOOTCAMP and HIIT Instructor. He gives his time by taking part in various projects from GODs Children Project, which is a non-profit organization that focuses on making a difference in kids who are less fortunate


Derek Archer, Member

Derek started working in the Fitness industry in 1996 and achieved his personal trainer certification in the same year. In 1997, he began studying Human Movement Sciences at the Rand Afrikaans University as well as managing and training at the private gym in the Sandton Towers Hotel. He graduated in 2000 and at the beginning of 2003 moved his personal training business to the gym at the Institute.

He also held the position of Fitness trainer at Moroka Swallows Football Club from September 2002 to October 2006.Derek began to present courses at the Institute on a regular basis before assuming the role of senior lecturer on the Personal Fitness trainer course. Being so passionate about health and fitness, and teaching those aspiring to be trainers, Derek took over Fitpro in 2006.

In addition to work at Fitpro, Derek is a Technogym master trainer and a Power Plate master trainer. He is also an HKC kettlebell instructor and an Exercise is Medicine accredited Fitness professional. Working with athletes and teams is his primary focus outside of the classroom and he is committed to life- long learning.


Renato Patini, Member

Renato having previously competed at a South African level in Sprinting and Long jump an early passion for sport was made. He played Rugby in later years at a High School level, making regional selections, only furthered this passion. Obtaining a National Diploma in Fitness and a Sports Conditioning Certification has helped obtain further knowledge into this field. Being involved in the educational field of training athletes, currently the Chief Assessor and facilitator at Trifocus Fitness Academy helping possible future trainers and athletes obtain a better understanding of applied methods.


Mark Petzer, Director

Mark completed his B Com Accountancy and B Com Accountancy Honours at the Rand Academic University, Johannesburg. He then went on to complete his articles at PriceWaterhouseCoopers where he qualified as a CA (SA). Post articles he joined the Austro Group Limited, listed on the JSE, as financial manager. He went on to become the Financial Director for the Group. He subsequently left Austro to pursue a career in mining with AngloAmerican where he currently holds the position of performance analyst for Thermal Coal.