PHUTI MOSOMANE
Free State Education MEC Tate Makgoe has died in a horrific car crash on Sunday morning.
This was confirmed by Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, who described Makgoe’s passing as a big blow to the provincial government.
“Makgoe improved the overall quality of education. This is a big blow to us, the people of Free State. He became a life-long learner,” Dukwana said.
The Free State Premier said provincial government officials visited the accident scene on Sunday morning.
“It was a horrific accident and two cows were hit,” said Dukwana.
Basic Education Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said Makgoe took education in the province to the highest level since he was appointed MEC for education in 2009.
“We recieved the sad news of his passing.
Mr Simply the best (as he was affectionately known within government corridors) really wanted every child to succeed. He loved economics and would at times teach learners,” said Mhlanga.
Said Basic Education director-general Mathanzima Mweli: “It is a sad morning as we wake up to the news of the untimely passing of Free State Education MEC Tate Makgoe.”
“He contributed greatly to the sector and the provincial education department. We thank you for your service MEC. Rest in peace brother.”
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said Makgoe exemplified the excellence of South Africa’s public schooling system after he led Free State to retain the number one spot for four consecutive years.
“MEC Makgoe’s invaluable contributions towards our country’s basic education sector and the incredible achievements he pioneered within his own province will never be forgotten. His passing is a insurmountable loss to our sector, however, the standards he has set will remain as a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of leaders to come,” said MEC Chiloane.
“As the Gauteng Department of Education, we wish to express our deepest and sincerest condolences to MEC Tate Makgoe’s family, loved ones and the Free State Department of Education at large,” MEC Chiloane said.
SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke said the teachers union was deeply saddened by Makgoe’s passing.
“This is a man who showed great commitment, invested more in Grade R and quality education.”
Maluleka said Makgoe was a “simple and easily accessible man” who treated education as an enabler, supported teachers, a person who did not enjoy just being in the cameras.
He said Makgoe instilled a spirit of team work and supported teachers in the Free State province.
Makgoe understood that Apartheid dispossed black Africans of education, and he was therefore driven by the fact that a black child must recieve quality education to undo that legacy.
Department of Higher Education Spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi described Makgoe as a hard worker who performed his work with diligence to serve his people.
“Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande sends condolences to the Makgoe family, friends and the entire Free State province for the ultimately passing of MEC Makgoe,” Mnisi said.
Makgoe joined the Free State provincial legislature in 1994. He served in different portfolios including as MEC for Agriculture, Finance and later Education. He also served as a member of the ANC’s provincial executive committee in Free State and was tipped as the next Basic Education Minister.
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