By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has expressed its shock and sadness over the untimely passing of the MEC of Education in the Free State, Mr Tate Makgoe, and his protector.
Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba said Makgoe’s death has robbed the education system of a dedicated and capable leader who worked hard to ensure the system performed efficiently for the benefit of the country.
“Death has robbed the Free State and the country of a dedicated individual that has over the past few years ensured that there is general improvement of the basic education system.
“At the heart of Mr Makgoe’s work was a deep-rooted preoccupation of ensuring a better future for the children of this country,” said Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba.
Mbinqo-Gigaba said the MEC’s passing happened when the committee in the Free State was to conduct public hearings on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, a process the MEC supported by dispatching a team to ensure that his department hears first-hand the views and concerns of the people of the Free State on the education system.
“The committee extends its heartfelt condolences and the words of strength to the families of both MEC Makgoe and his protector,” said Mbinqo-Gigaba.