By Zuko Komisa
Tributes pour in for MEC Tate Makgoe who passed away alongside his bodyguard over the weekend.
Makgoe and one of his bodyguards were killed early on Sunday when their car collided with two cows.
Makgoe worked for the government in a variety of positions and was one of the longest-serving MECs.
Makgoe earned a degree in chemical engineering from the Vaal Triangle Technikon, which is now known as Vaal University of Technology. He also holds a BCom from the University of South Africa (Unisa).
Later, he earned a master’s degree in business administration from Unisa and a BCom with honours from the University of the Free State (UFS).
As the Free State’s MEC of Education, he guided the province and help it outperform the nation with an 88.5% pass percentage in the 2022 matric results. For four years running, the province has held the top position.
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Tributes and heartfelt condolences have been shared by the country at large on social media.
Transport minister Fikile Mbalula said the death of the MEC was “a great loss to his family, his friends and the country at large, particularly the people of the Free State which he served diligently”.
[Read] President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of Free State MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe and a member of his security detail in a vehicle accident near Winburg, in the Free State early today https://t.co/wQVDdssnPe pic.twitter.com/6OmedFL9Cs
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 5, 2023
As the FSPG, we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of the FS MEC for Education- Tate Makgoe and his Protector, Warrant Officer- Vuyo Mdi. We extent our heartfelt condolences to Makgoe's and Mdi's family, colleagues, friends, and loved ones on your poignant loss. pic.twitter.com/a7dqSs4wPj
— Dukwana Mxolisi (@dukwana_mxolisi) March 5, 2023
As the FSPG, we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of the FS MEC for Education- Tate Makgoe and his Protector, Warrant Officer- Vuyo Mdi. We extent our heartfelt condolences to Makgoe's and Mdi's family, colleagues, friends, and loved ones on your poignant loss. pic.twitter.com/a7dqSs4wPj
— Dukwana Mxolisi (@dukwana_mxolisi) March 5, 2023
I remember Tate Makgoe & his Premier coming to my Free State office: You are critical of us but can you help us change our schools in the Free State? Of course. But what I appreciated that day was a rare humility and insight: that criticism and commitment is the same thing
— Jonathan Jansen (@JJ_Stellies) March 5, 2023
Terribly shocked by the tragic passing away of MEC for Education in the Free State, Cde Tate Makgoe. He was one of the finest of public servants one could find in the country. Condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.
— Frank Chikane (@RevFChikane) March 5, 2023
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