Schools in Bethal 1903-1980 In the first edition of the De Vereeniging on 15 July 1903, the following was published from the pen of Rev. Liebenberg, who returned to Bethal after the war for the construction thereof: #“At one extraordinary meeting held recently, the educational case was discussed with seriousness and enthusiasm. #“…and there were decided that one part of the church be set up as a school.” The English had after the war, launched their “Government” schools in tents on Church Square. Rev Liebenberg’s interference, however, gave rise to them moving further south. The hall that served as a church during the construction of the new church, housed the C.N.O. [C.N.G.?] school in the square. The C.N.O. schools were called into being because of most parents ‘antipathy to the English school. C.N.O. principal was Mr Niehaus with Mr R B Saayman and Miss Hugo as assistants. The Smuts Education Act of 1907 ordered that all C.N.O. schools should be done away with. At Bethal a merger of school with the government school was found, although the actual amalgamation did not take place until July 20, 1909. Interesting facts regarding “Bethal Government School” before amalgamation included the following: The principal was Mr A Matheson. The following excerpts were from the school’s “log book”: 1 February 1907 Roll number for the week 71. 19 February The school was visited today by Mr Ligertwood, Inspector. 18 March The annual selection of School Committee took place today. The following gentlemen were elected for the ensuing year: Dr Mantell, Messrs. Fotheringham, Hill, Lucas, D. Joubert and J J Kemp 17 May Attendance moderate – harvesting 24 May: Public Holiday – Victoria Day. 13 June: School visited by Mr Hill, chairman of the school committee who kindly presented the school with a football. 8 Nov: Bethal Government School Report of Inspection 21st October 1907. The buildings are totally unsuitable. 30 Nov: I was away from school on the afternoon of 27th through illness which I attribute to the unsuitability of the school building. A 1907 School Certificate #roughly translated from Dutch 57
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