The Education MEC, Tate Makgoe and warrant officer Vuyo Mdi, lost their lives after the car they were travelling in collided with three cows on the N1 outside Winburg in the early hours of Sunday. The driver, warrant officer Pule Nkopane, remains hospitalised in Bloemfontein.

The MEC for Education in the Northern Cape, Zolile Monakali, said the untimely death of Makgoe is a massive loss to the education sector. Monakali said that he will remember Makgoe for his bold initiatives he undertook to ensure that the Free State obtained the number one position for matric results in the country. He further added that he met with Makgoe lately to discuss collaboration to improve their matric results. 

"As the Northern Cape Department of Education, we would like to convey our deepest condolences to the extended Makgoe family as well as the Free State Department of Education. We share your pain, as that has rattled the inner soul of many lives he has touched. May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace," said Monakali.

Meanwhile, the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Services, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, paid tribute to the late Mdi for his services and also wished Nkopane a speedy recovery. She described the death of Mdi as a great loss to law enforcement agencies. 

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"He has been described by his immediate commander as a quiet, dedicated, committed and disciplined member. We are also wishing warrant officer Nkopane who is in a critical condition, a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are also with his family," she concluded.

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Meanwhile, Premier Mxolisi Dukwana said Makgoe turned the Free State into a winning province when it comes to education. Former Premier Sisi Ntombela expressed how she was shattered by the death of one of the province’s brightest stars.

"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 said.

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The MEC for Education in North West, Viola Motsumi, also joined the education community in mourning the death of Makgoe and sent her heartfelt condolences to his family. 

"It’s indeed an untimely demise. One that’s closer to home where my colleague, my brother, and comrade met his death. On days like these, we’re reminded that life is too short and is to be lived thoroughly. My brother lived his life and stamped it excellently, where he outstandingly put the Free State on a pedestal for four consecutive years with matric results.

"Death has robbed us of this star, and today, on behalf of the North West Department of Education, I share gratitude to the Makgoe family for borrowing us this giant. His name is now written in the stars because you selflessly gave him to us. His level of pedigree is unmatched. It is not easy, but we ask the Lord Almighty to be your guide and your comfort during this difficult time," stated Motsumi.

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