Pieter van der Merwe
Senior Web Development Lecturer
Hi! I’m Pieter. I lecture web development at Vaardig College in Umhlanga. I have spent many years teaching beginners to build websites, and I have watched many students move into their first junior developer jobs. I am also a keen small business owner and a proud Durban local.
Teaching and Industry Experience
Before joining Vaardig College, Pieter worked as a web developer for agencies in Durban and Johannesburg, and trained junior staff at several local companies. Most recently he led our part-time web development programme as Lead Lecturer. After finishing his classes, most of his students went on to find work or start their own freelance business.
He has since focused on bringing his classroom experience to online study. In 2022 he launched our Introduction to Web Development with React short course, which has become one of our most popular offerings. He was also voted Vaardig College Lecturer of the Year 2025.Education
I have spent years working out how to teach practical skills in a classroom, and I am glad to share what I have learned with you.
I teach web development in small groups, and every student finishes with a real website they built and can show employers.
Teaching & Skills
Workshops
95%
Mentoring
90%
Core Skills
50%