“The province is poorer at his passing”, was the sentiment expressed by various political heads after the death of Eastern Cape education MEC Mandla Makupula.
Makupula, a maths teacher by profession and staunch SACP member, died in the early hours on Monday morning at the Life St Dominic's hospital after a long illness. His death came hours before his 57th birthday on Tuesday.
Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga is expected to visit Makupula’s family home in Mdantsane NU2 on Tuesday.
In a media statement, Motshekga sent her deepest condolences to Makupula’s family and the entire Eastern Cape education fraternity. “Makupula was a dedicated and hard-working public representative who was committed to turning the education system around.”
MEC Makupula was the longest-serving education MEC in the Eastern Cape, having assumed the position in 2010.
Makupula was born in Duncan Village and grew up in Mdantsane. He become one of the youngest SACP members when he was recruited while still in high school.
He was affectionately known as the “Principal”, a name he earned because of his passion for teaching Marxism.
Messages of condolence poured in from political leaders across all spheres and parties.
DA MPL, Edmund van Vuuren said: “He was a man who was willing to listen.”
SACP national spokesperson, Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo said Makupula was a “an incorruptible and loyal servant”.
The ANC’s provincial secretary, Lulama Ngcukayitobi, said the party was extremely saddened by his passing .
Azapo provincial secretary, Chris Swepu, described Makupula as a noble man who sacrificed his time servicing others. The chairman for DeafSA in the Eastern Cape, Khumbulani Mshiya, said Makupula showed great interest in the development of education in the deaf community.
Monga Peter, provincial chairperson of the national association of schooling governing bodies, paid tribute to a “down to earth public representative”.
Makupula leaves behind his wife and six children...