Mr D J Koekemoer was promoted in 1975 to be new head. A year later in 1976 he was again promoted, this time to inspector. Mr P C Viljoen was since 1977 at helm of affairs and with great devotion, the well-known high school’s work continues in the Bethal community. From 1818 to 1929, the new head of “Lower” School Bethal was held by Mr C P de L Malan. The latter had been known as an alert and strict personality. In 1929 another wing was brought to Eoudia, despite the fact that a school was opened at Bethal Station. However, the school closed again during the thirties. Mr Malan was succeeded by Mr H M Swart, on 17 January 1929, as principal. General J J Pienaar, then Administrator of the Transvaal, opened on October 12, 1945 the current primary school. This however, only in 1948 was that the school, was officially renamed H M Swart Primary School. From January 1949 to and including 1980 the principalship was seen as follows. 1949 to 1963: Mr M C du Plessis; 1964 to 1965: Mr W de Vos (Acting); 1965 to 1980: Mr G F Botes, who was followed up the same year, after his retirement, by Mr P Kilian. Primary School at New Bethal On 7 April 1953, the new primary school at New Bethal East (currently Bethal North) was involved. The school was opened officially on November by the then Director of Education, Dr A H du P Ward. Mr G L van der Westhuizen was appointed as head. To assist him in his tasks the following persons were appointed: Messrs C M Botha, A P van Zyl and Miss M J Jandrell and A Aucamp. On December 3, 1965 Mr van der Westhuizen step down as principal. Mr A C Clarke arrived on 17 January in Bethal Palmoord residence as it is seen today from Western Transvaal as new principal. The then Woman Administrator, Mrs Mariitjie van Niekerk, gave permission that the school could be named after her. Mrs Marietjie van Niekerk at the renaming of Bethal Primary 66
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