Makgoe and his protector died after the car they were travelling in collided with three cows on the N1 outside Winburg in the Free State.

In a statement Ntombela expressed how she was shattered by the death of one of the province’s brightest stars.

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"I am absolutely shattered by this terrible news of the passing of one of the province’s brightest stars. Comrade Tate was an absolute joy to work with. To have worked with him and witnessed his transformation from a young man as an MEC to a giant who revolutionised our education system is a memory I will always cherish. His passing has dealt a devastating blow to the Free State province, whose excellence in education is known across the country, thanks to comrade Makgoe's hard work," she adds.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have conveyed their condolences to Makgoe's family and friends.

ActionSA provincial chairperson, Patricia Kopane, says that the role played by the late Education MEC in fulfilling his civic responsibilities of serving the people of the Free State needs to be acknowledged. She says Makgoe characterised what is right with the education system, and under his leadership, the Free State achieved the highest matric pass rate over four consecutive years.

Congress of the People (COPE) national chairperson, Dennis Bloem, also expressed his shocked and sadness at the passing of Makgoe.

"This is a massive loss, not only to his family and Free State province, but a loss to the entire country. Tate Makgoe was a patriot who loved his people and country. He dedicated his whole life to fighting for the freedom of the oppressed masses of this country from a very young age. He was a leading figure in our struggle in the Free State. He spent time in jail for his involvement in the freedom struggle," he said.

Bloem further stated that Makgoe's contribution to the liberation struggle and education will forever be engraved in the history of the country.

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