MINISTER NZIMANDE STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF THE NORTHERN CAPE MEC FOR EDUCATION, MACCOLLEN JACK

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, sends his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the Northern Cape government, led by Premier Zamani Saul on the passing of the Northern Cape MEC for Education Ntsikelelo MacCollen Jack.

MEC Jack died in hospital on Wednesday, 12th August afternoon, following his admittance to the high care unit of Gariep Mediclinic about a week ago, after testing positive for Covid-19.

“This is sad news indeed, because since his admittance in hospital, MEC Jack was always in high spirits and we were looking forward to his recovery,” said Minister Nzimande.

The death of MEC Jack is indeed a big loss to the Government of South Africa, the African National Congress (his political home) and the people of the Northern Cape and South Africa in general.

MEC Jack is a leader who was always available to serve his communities whenever he was called upon to perform his responsibilities.

“I worked with MEC Jack last year (2019) during the annual National Science Week which aims to exhibit and communicate awareness in science. Out of my interaction, I saw in him an energetic, dedicated and selfless leader who wanted the best for all the learners of the Northern Cape and South Africa in general,” said Minister nzimande.

Minister Nzimande said that even beyond the National Science Week, MEC Jack kept a close eye and monitoring of all those learners and schools who participated in the science week. He did so because he cared deeply for the learners and their progress in life.

The Minister says that MEC Jack’s contribution will surely be missed in the education sector, the Northern Cape government and the revolutionary of the ANC, SACP and COSATU.

May his soul rest in peace.

-End-

Issued by:
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
DST Building (53), CSIR Campus
Meiring Naude Road
Brummeria
Pretoria

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