The funeral of the education champion, MEC Tate Makgoe took place at the University of Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Throngs of mourners came to bid farewell to Makgoe who died when the car he was traveling in collided with three cows in Winburg farming town outside Bloemfontein last Sunday.
He was buried at Bainsvlei Cemetery.
The late MEC’s funeral was attended by various politicians, such as Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul, former Free State Premiers Sisi Ntombela and Beatrice Marshoff, Ace Magashule, and Thabo Manyoni.
Gospel stars Sechaba Pali, Sello Malete, and Teboho Moloi gave performances, while provincial and national executives delivered speeches that passionately celebrated Makgoe’s contributions to education and his unwavering belief in the potential of young people in the province.
Makgoe was widely known for his stylish signature suits and his famous trademark name, “Simply the Best.” He was a beloved figure in his province and across the nation.
During the funeral tribute, his children delivered a heartfelt homage. Katlego Makgoe, in particular, expressed the deep loss of not only a mentor but also a close friend.
“My dad was an exceptional person in our lives. He encouraged us to look forward to the future. As we gathered here to bid farewell to this great man, I would like to appreciate his contribution to the education system of our province. He was a great man indeed,” Katlego said.
According to Makalo Mohale, the acting MEC for Education, Makgoe was an “exemplary” figure and a shining “epitome of excellence.
Said Mohale: “Ntate Makgoe was an exemplary and epitome of excellence. He always knew very well what he was here to do. He was always striving to huge difference in the lives of the people.”
Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary General of the ANC, spoke on behalf of the governing party and acknowledged Makgoe’s impact in bringing change to the Free State. Mbalula emphasized that the ANC’s responsibility is to uplift people from poverty through education.
“As the ANC, we lost a great servant. Tate Makgoe wrote his own book while he was alive. Comrade Tate brought changes in Free State and he understood that the job of the ANC is to uplift people out of poverty through education. We celebrate Tate’s life who sadly lost his life untimely and he was the best of the best of the ANC. We lost a champion but we need to take up the baton and run with it,” said Mbalula.
The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Mothekga, recognised Makgoe for his greatness and authenticity.
“Comrade Makgoe was a great man. We are shattered by this loss. He will be remembered as a true champion of education. As we say goodbye to him, we are grateful for the work h has done. His contribution will never be forgotten. Comrade Makgoe has put a solid foundation in the education system in Free State,” she said.
Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana echoed Minister Motheka’s sentiments, stating that Makgoe was an exceptional worker who made significant contributions to education in the Free State.
Dukwana also emphasized that Makgoe was a truly authentic individual and that his unique qualities cannot be replicated.
Born in Tumahole outside Parys in Fezile Dabi district in 1963, Makgoe attended Lembede lower primary and proceeded to Mmabatho Higher primary and Phehellang secondary school in Parys.
Makgoe was a graduate of Chemical Engineering from the Vaal University of Technology. He also pursued further studies, completing a Bachelor of Commerce and an Honours degree at Unisa and UFS, respectively.
Makgoe was in the process of pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Leadership with UFS at the time of his passing. He had been involved in the Free State government since 1994 and remained committed until his untimely death.
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