Umalusi has learnt with shock and great sadness about the untimely death of Mr Tate Makgoe, the MEC of Education in the Free State Province and his bodyguard, Mr Vuyo Mdi. MEC Makgoe was counted amongst the longstanding servants of the people of South Africa in general, and the Free State in particular.

The Free State Department of Education became a shining example of performance in the National Senior Certificate (commonly called Matric) under his stewardship. After learning about the passing away of MEC Makgoe the CEO of Umalusi, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, said: “We have been robbed of a gem in the education fraternity. It is hard to process the tragedy.

It is really hard to take it. May the families of Ntate Makgoe and Mr Mdi be comforted during these difficult times. We wish the driver of the vehicle, Mr Pule Nkopane, speedy recovery.”

The Free State has lost one of its servant leaders. Mr Makgoe was a hardworking, dedicated and committed political leader in the field of education. As the MEC of Education, he discharged his duties diligently by taking the Free State Province from where it was in 2009 to where he left it in 2023. Having transformed the face of education in his province, Umalusi believes that the system has much to learn from the Free State regarding the improvement of the quality of education.

Umalusi extends its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved Makgoe family, friends, and colleagues in government and politics. Deepest condolences are extended to the Mdi family and friends.

Source: Government of South Africa