Free State Education MEC Paul ‘Tate’ Makgoe died in a tragic accident in the wee hours of Sunday morning, his spokesperson confirmed in a statement.
Paul ‘Tate’ Makgoe dies: What’s the cause of death?
The 59-year-old was driving along the N1 highway, near Winburg, at approximately 01:30 when his vehicle rammed into two cows.
According to his spokesperson Sello Dithebe, emergency service crews rushed to the scene and found three occupants trapped inside the vehicle.
“They used the jaws of life to free the occupants and unfortunately, two were declared dead on the scene — MEC for education Tate Makgoe and one male protector,” Dithebe revealed in a statement quoted by Times Live.
The third occupant, who miraculously held on long enough to receive intravenous treatment, was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Makgoe’s spokesperson confirmed the unidentified survivor was admitted to “Winburg Hospital for stabilisation, for later transportation to Bloemfontein.”
Details on Makgoe’s funeral and memorial service details had not been available at the time this article was published. The politician’s family has yet to release a statement.
Paul ‘Tate’ Makgoe biography
Paul ‘Tate’ Makgoe was a South African politician and a member of the African National Congress (ANC), serving in the Free State as MEC for Education.
As a Free State native, born on 12 May 1963 in Parys, Makgoe had a natural affinity for public service. After devoting pretty much his entire adulthood as a member of the ANC, Makgoe rose up the ranks and launched his political career as MEC for Finance in former president Nelson Mandela’s first term in office.
Here is a short summary of Makgoe’ portfolio history as a prominent ANC member in the Free State.
- MEC for Finance (1994-1996)
- MEC for Tourism and Environmental Affairs (1997-1999)
- MEC for Agriculture (1999-2001)
- Free State Legislature Chair of Chairs (2001-2004)
- MEC for Public Safety (2004-2005)
- MEC for Finance (2005-2009)
- MEC for Education (2009 – 2023)
Makgoe’s first-known near-brush with death came in July 2020 when, as reported by OFM News, he contracted a severe case of COVID-19.
The 59-year-old lost his life in the wee hours of Sunday, 5 March 2023, in a tragic car accident that also claimed the life of one of his bodyguards.
Reactions to Makgoe’s death
News of the MEC’s death sent shockwaves across social media.
Here are some of the reactions we picked out: