Even though his health was deteriorating, the late education MEC Mandla Makupula held office up until he had to be whisked to hospital in the middle of an event that was very close to his heart.
Makupula was at the mother tongue-based bilingual education celebration in Aliwal North in September when his health became critical. He was taken to the Life St Dominic’s intensive care unit where he died on Monday morning.
He would have celebrated his 57th birthday on Tuesday.
This was revealed by the family’s spokesperson Margaret Mjo.
According to Mjo, Makupula died of natural causes due to a long illness.
Mjo did not specify the illness but basic education Minister Angie Motshekga, speaking at Makupula’s Gonubie home, mentioned that she and Makupula were both in cancer remission.
“Being in remission myself, Mandla and I shared ideas on how to stay healthy,” said Motshekga.
Motshekga, along with political leaders from various spheres of government, visited Makupula’s home in Gonubie on Tuesday to express their condolences to the family.
Some of the visitors included ANC national executive committee member Senzo Mchunu, North West education MEC Jonas Sello Lehari, Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, ANC provincial chair and finance MEC Oscar Mabuyane, as well as SACP provincial secretary and rural development and agrarian reform MEC Xolile Nqatha.
Motshekga said the death of Makupula, who was more than just a comrade or colleague to her, came as a “fresh wound even though we knew he was not well”.
“We were supposed to have travelled abroad together, but his doctor refused due to his ill health,” said Motshekga.
She described Makupula as humble, philosophical and humorous.
“Every household, rich or poor, Makupula had an impact on their lives. They have felt the extent of the efforts he undertook,” said Masualle.
Mchunu said the country was in short supply of leaders like Makupula.
“I remember when Makupula took office in 2010, he contacted me as education MEC in KZN and requested to spend a few days in the province to learn how to do some of the things we were doing right.”
Makupula will be buried on October 20.
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