A storyteller of life itself
He was elected as GRDM speaker on 27 June 2019 and held the position until his retirement.
A beloved former speaker of
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Mossel Bay Councillor Barnie Groenewald (68) died last 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.
In the words of Anco Barker, a former DA councillor and colleague of Groenewald, he was a storyteller of life itself, a man who shared his wisdom and opened his heart to all.
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.
Barker wrote a letter to her dear friend (read the full letter online at www. georgeherald.com), whom she recalls was known as Bean, because he always carried a pack of jelly beans with him in his bag. "He was a shining light in dark times, a beacon of hope and love for all who knew him. He had not only been a friend, mentor and father figure to me, but a true source of inspiration for the entire community and all who
knew him."
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 Potchef-stroom
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 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.
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.
Groenewald is survived by his life partner, Lizette van Reenen, son Bern, grandchildren Zarah and Nielen, brother Gerrie Groenewald and family.
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".