Puk reverses decision to dismiss SCC member Beàtha Groenewald

Beàtha Groenewald, who was allegedly “unfairly removed” from her position as secretary of the campus student council at North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus (Puk), has been re-appointed.

Groenewald received a letter from the campus today announcing Puk’s decision to reverse her dismissal. This follows legal action taken by AfriForum Youth, who had stepped in to help Groenewald with legal aid. Today the youth organisation said in a statement that it still reserves its right to decide on further action in this regard.

Groenewald had disagreed with a decision that students from town residences would be excluded from the Puk’s welcoming function on the basis of their racial composition. She took a stand against the racial exclusion, and found her term as SCC member terminated under suspicious circumstances.

AfriForum Youth said today that while it’s significant that the North-West University (NWU) “admits its mistake”, the university should still publicly apologise to Groenewald, as per the requirement in the youth organisation’s lawyer’s letter of 17 February. The NWU’s response to the letter leaves much to be desired, said AfriForum.

René van der Vyver, spokesperson for AfriForum Youth, said:

“It is very unfortunate that we had to go so far as to consult with our legal team before the Puk was prepared to admit that they had made a mistake. However, we are still waiting for a public apology and sincerely hope that all structures of the university will learn from this incident not to make themselves guilty of racial exclusion and then try to hide it.”

Several friends and social media followers have been leaving supportive messages on Groenewald’s Facebook and Instagram pages in the past few days.

@_amogelangmolefe_z.a said: “You’re an inspiration to women. Your courage and resilience is seen!❤️❤️❤️Backing you 100%?”

@izaanelize.x added: “All the best with your endeavors ❤️? you stood tall when it was required of you and that shows courage ?”

@i.am.kevinjordaan wrote: “She’s an absolute angel, and a huge injustice was done to her. I stand with her, justice will be served❤️?”

AfriForum Youth said it will continue to support Groenewald, regardless of what her decision may be in terms of next steps.