Tragic news emerged on Sunday as it was reported that Free State Education MEC Pule Herbert Makgoe, who was fondly referred to as Tate Makgoe, had passed away in a car accident along with one of his bodyguards. The news of his sudden death has left many in shock and mourning.
Keep reading this article to learn more about Tate Makgoe, including who was he, how did Tate Makgoe die and what was his cause of death
Who was Tate Makgoe?
Pule Herbert Makgoe was a well-known South African politician and educator who was born on May 12, 1963, in Tumahole, Parys, in the Free State Province of South Africa. He had a distinguished career in politics, having served as the Free State MEC for Education since May 2009. Prior to his appointment as MEC, Makgoe was sworn in as a member of the Free State Provincial Legislature in May 1994.
During his tenure as MEC for Education, Makgoe was known for his commitment to improving the quality of education in the Free State Province. He was instrumental in the implementation of several initiatives aimed at improving access to education, particularly in rural areas. Makgoe was a respected figure in the education sector in South Africa, and his untimely death in a car accident on the N1 outside Winburg has left many mourning his loss.
Robala ka kgotso Ntate Tate Makgoe – Free State Department of Education MEC #RIPNtateTate pic.twitter.com/AfFBR4MKMi
— #KeMollelwa (@LesediFM) March 5, 2023
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How did Tate Makgoe die? What was his Cause of death?
On the early hours of Sunday, a tragic car accident claimed the lives of Free State Education MEC Pule Herbert Makgoe, also known as Tate Makgoe, and one of his bodyguards on the N1 outside Winburg. According to Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, the accident occurred around 01:30am when the vehicle Makgoe was traveling in collided with two cows. Three people were trapped inside the vehicle and had to be freed by the Emergency Services crew who used the jaws of life. Sadly, two occupants, including Makgoe and one of his protectors, were declared dead on the scene while the driver sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a hospital.
The driver was initially taken to Wynberg Hospital but has now been transferred to Medi-Clinic Hospital. This is a tragic loss for the education sector in the Free State province, and the thoughts and condolences of many are with Makgoe’s family and loved ones.
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Tributes to Tate Makgoe
Rest in Peace Tate Makgoe . You did your best to make Free State my home Province a Fountain of Education. To the Class of 2023 please work hard and get the best results in Maths and Science this year as a tribute to MEC Tate Makgoe. #RIPTateMakgoe.
— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) March 5, 2023
Simon Mofokeng Wrote,
The big tree has fallen, why do we lose people who change the lives of African child. What a sad day for the Province and the country. Rest in peace Dr Tate
This is absolutely the worst possible news to wake up to. Oh my word. We just spent a day together in Thembalethu talking educational change. Thank you for your massive contribution to education, MEC Tate Makgoe
— Jonathan Jansen (@JJ_Stellies) March 5, 2023
Nkotso Mashiane Wrote,
 Rest my leader condolence to the family and friends at large ho bohloko to loose such a great leader. Really shutteredÂ