GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A former speaker of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Mossel Bay Councillor Barnie Groenewald (68) died this morning Wednesday 17 April.
Groenewald served as councillor at both the district municipality and Mossel Bay for five years, from 2016 until his retirement in 2021. He was elected as GRDM speaker on 27 June 2019 and held the position until his retirement.
An interview with George Herald shortly after his election as speaker gave a glimpse of a man with remarkable depth and a wide knowledge of literature, especially poetry, and languages.
He spoke Sesotho fluently and was also known as Montlenyane (Montle for short), which means "die mooi enetjie" - a reference to his beautiful heart.
Groenewald got this name from a resident of Khutsong in Carletonville, back in 1979 when he served on the Western Transvaal Development Council.
Farewell Montle
GRDM Mayor Memory Booysen said it is with great sorrow that they bid a cherished colleague farewell. "I had the privilege of working closely with Barnie for five years, during which his presence was a cornerstone of both leadership and stability.
"Barnie had a unique ability to balance the intricacies of politics with the demands of administration, ensuring that our council’s decisions always reflected the best interests of the community we serve. My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family during this difficult time."
A tribute by GRDM describes Groenewald as a true community pillar and a beacon of moral and civic virtue.
Late Barnie Groenewald never forgot the birthday of his colleagues. As speaker he made sure the councillor received hearty birthday wishes. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
Political career
Groenewald's political career was marked by significant contributions and roles, starting as a town clerk at the Ikageng Town Council in 1983 and later serving in various capacities including as the city secretary and acting director of Corporate Services.
He also held significant positions at the Potchefstroom Town Council and worked with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as a municipal electoral officer for over a decade.
His final professional role was with the George Municipality, where he served on the Disciplinary Council.
"During his tenure as speaker, Alderman Groenewald was known for promoting constructive debate within the council, always with the goal of improving the lives of the community. His leadership was instrumental in ensuring care and support for councillors and municipal staff, helping them fulfil their roles effectively," reads the tribute by GRDM.
The late Alderman Barnie Groenewald (right) with municipal manager Monde Stratu.
Inspiration
Groenewald was inspired by figures like Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., drawing on their visions to fuel his own work in politics and community service. He often reflected on the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley, particularly resonating with the lines, "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul," which guided his public service.
His educational contributions were also notable, as he facilitated courses in Local Government Law and Governance Administration at Nelson Mandela University, impacting and shaping future leaders.
His deep passion for people and community service were evident throughout his career and life. He lived by the motto, "do unto others, what you want others to do unto you" and believed in the value of every individual, saying, "I am what I am because of others".
Barnie Groenewald is survived by his life partner, Lizette van Reenen, son Bern, grandchildren Zarah and Nielen, brother Gerrie Groenewald and family.
The late Barnie Groenewald at a strategic session.
Anco Barker, a former DA councillor and colleague of Groenewald wrote the following letter to her dear friend (in Afrikaans):
Barnie Groenewald, bekend as Bean, het altyd 'n pakkie jelly beans saam hom in sy sakkie gedra het. Hy was 'n stralende lig in donker tye, 'n baken van hoop en liefde vir almal wat hom geken het. Hy was nie net 'n vriend, mentor en pa-figuur vir my gewees nie, maar 'n ware bron van inspirasie vir die hele gemeenskap en almal wat hom geken het.
Barnie se onbaatsugtige liefde en ondersteuning het 'n onuitwisbare indruk gemaak, en dit is iets wat ek vir ewig sal koester. Sy vermoë om ander te help en hulle te ondersteun sonder enige oordeel was 'n wonderlike eienskap wat hom onderskei het.
Hy was 'n storieverteller van die lewe self, 'n man wat sy wysheid deel en sy hart aan almal oopgemaak het.
Alhoewel sy afsterwe 'n leemte in my hart laat, is daar troos in die wete dat hy nou saam met sy geliefdes is en op vreedsame wyse voortleef in die harte van almal wat hy aangeraak het.
Sy nalatenskap sal vir altyd voortduur, en sy gees sal voortleef in die goeie werke en herinneringe van almal wat hy geraak het.
Dankie, Barnie, vir jou liefde, jou wysheid en jou onvergeetlike invloed op my lewe. Mag jou siel rus in vrede, terwyl ons voortgaan om jou nalatenskap te vier en te eer.
Lief vir jou
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