Grynhouts die within day of one another
The Westenburg community was rocked last weekend by the deaths of the Grynhout couple, Petrus and Emma.
POLOKWANE – Petrus Grynhout, born on 13 January 1945 in Prieska in the Northern Cape, died on Saturday afternoon following a long illness and was followed by his wife, Emma, born on 11 October 1950, who passed away on the Sunday in the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital, after being admitted about a week ago.
Emma passed away before she could even be told that her husband had passed away the previous day.
The Grynhout family settled in New Pietersburg, commonly known as Disteneng, in 1986 and moved to Westenburg in 1993.
The family, known as a God-fearing family, was known to be a hospitable couple who welcomed and opened their hearts to their neighbours and the community at large.
Upon his arrival in Westenburg, Petrus, who been a contractor in and around the Limpopo province, also joined the structure of the South African National Civic Organisaton (Sanco), under the chairpersonship of his friend Jan Mashiane, and served with William Adams in then Housing Portfolio Committee, allocating houses in Westenburg’s RDP establishment.
He was actively involved in the first democratic government elections under the banner of the African National Congress (WinRainBow branch) in Ward 19 of Polokwane.
As an elder he commanded respect among the citizens in the Westenburg community, Jan Mashiane said.
“Petrus was determined to assist, and make a better life, for those who were in dire need. He always made sure that people were correctly registered and allocated houses and have roofs over their heads,” Mashiane said.
“He and his wife will be sorely missed by the community, his comrades and all peace-loving communities in the province and from his home town, Prieska.”
The couple leave behind four sons, three daughters and one grandchild.
Their daughter, Petrolin, said the family will remember their parents as modest and humble people, ever forgiving. A sermon to celebrate their lives was held yesterday evening (Wednesday) at their house. The couple will be buried in Prieska.
