North West Department of Education MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela, expressed how the sudden death of Jack comes as huge loss to the education sector. Jack’s death was announced Wednesday night by the Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul, after Jack was hospitalised after testing positive for Covid-19.

Education spokesperson in North West, Elias Malindi, shared a message from Matsemela, who said as a sister and colleague she “will forever cherish the good memories we always shared. In our engagements he always displayed extreme passion and dedication to his portfolio of education.

“As colleagues in education we have learnt so many lessons which we will always draw inspiration from. I therefore pray for strength to the bereaved family, the education community and the entire people of the Northern Cape."

Central South Africa mourns the passing of Jack a month after the North West said goodbye to its own MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Gordon Kegakilwe – also due to complications linked to Covid-19.

Matsemela added that the education sector has lost a catalyst of change. ‘’MEC Jack had the interest of the African child at heart and his work speaks volumes about that.”

OFM News