groenendaal was much occupied with the foundation of the state, both in its basic structure, its state apparatus, and its paraphernalia, like a coat of arms and a flag. at the same time he strongly pressed for international recognition, especially from the netherlands. a state press was to curb the influence of the british printing press and newspapers in the orange free state. in a sense, groenendaal was a progenitor of afrikaner (free state) nationalism. he remained an active member of the volksraad until his death.