MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The controversy surrounding Mr Hennie van Niekerk and his alleged status as leader of a cult, as depicted by Special Assignment on Tuesday night, resulted in his resigning as chairman of the Emmanuel Christian School's governing body.
This was confirmed by the school principal, Mrs Sandy James, on Wednesday. James said that following the screening of Special Assignment, Van Niekerk informed the school's governing body that he was resigning and that he suggested that Mr H J D Venter continue as chairman. Venter is also responsible for the non-denominational fellowship in the Emmanuel School Chapel.
The Emmanuel Christian School, situated on land owned by Van Niekerk just outside of town, is registered as a non-profit organisation and boast 455 enrolled pupils. It is a government-registered independent school and answers to the provincial Department of Education with regard to its financial administration, school records, performance, professional codes, and so on. The school's governing body, as approved by the Directorate of Non-Profit Organisations, consists of Mr Hennie Niekerk (chairman), Mrs S James (secretary), Mr H Venter (treasurer), Mrs S Scheepers (Junior School), Mr V Scheepers (Technical) and Mr JP van Niekerk (Maintenance). This composition of the governing body has obviously now changed with Van Niekerk's resignation. He will however, according to James, remain in charge of all the school building operations, maintenance and development of the school grounds.
In answer to a question as to what Van Niekerk's relationship to the school is regarding his ministry, James said that Van Niekerk's input to the pupils, as well as to staff, has always been based on the Word of God.
"However, after the screening of Special Assignment, Mr Van Niekerk has said that he does not want to harm the school or the Kingdom of God in any way, and that he withdraws from any relationship other than maintenance and building," she said. She also stated that Van Niekerk resigned as full-time Pastor more than three years ago.
When asked whether the controversial depiction of Van Niekerk and his relationship to the school had in any way caused disruptions at the school, James said that no activities whatsoever had been disrupted.
"In fact, the only feedback we have had from pupils is enormous support for Mr Van Niekerk. We have also received phone calls with messages of support to Mr Van Niekerk," said James. She added that the pupils are actually unhappy about the screened programme and have written personal letters of support to Van Niekerk at their own initiative.