By Emily Setona
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State government has immortalised the legacy of the late Education MEC, Dr. Pule Isak Tate Makgoe, by renaming Arbeidsgenot Primary School in Bergman after him. The school will now be known as Dr. Tate Makgoe Primary School, a fitting tribute to a man whose life’s mission was to transform education in the province.
The official renaming ceremony, held on Friday, was an emotional celebration of Makgoe’s contribution to education and his unwavering commitment to ensuring quality learning for every child, especially those from historically disadvantaged communities.
Although she could not attend the event in person, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae delivered a heartfelt tribute through a prepared speech, recalling the moment she learned of Makgoe’s tragic passing.
“I was at home when a call from a friend broke the news. Television headlines screamed, ‘Free State Education MEC dies in car accident.’ Radio listeners phoned in to share condolences and celebrate a beautiful soul,” she said.
Dr. Makgoe and his protector, Piet Mdi, died in a car accident on the N1 near Winburg on 5 March 2023, sending shockwaves throughout the country. The Premier described his death as a “dream unfulfilled,” noting that Makgoe had a clear vision for the future of education in the province.
“What hurt the most was a dream cut short. He had a plan for Free State education, and knowing Tate Makgoe, he would have executed it come hell or high water. He was determined, especially when it came to the education of the black child,” she said.
Letsoha-Mathae emphasised that the Free State’s consistent top performance in matric results is largely built on the foundations Makgoe laid during his tenure.
“We are under no illusion that our achievements are built on his vision and leadership. I am proud that this beautiful school now carries his name. With this renaming, we ensure that his ideals and vision will never die. He might rest in his grave, but Tate Makgoe’s legacy will live on for eternity,” the Premier declared.
The renaming ceremony was officiated by Current MEC for Education, Dr. Mamiki Maboya, who spoke passionately about the alignment between the school’s mission and Makgoe’s lifelong values.
“Dr. Makgoe dedicated his life to uplifting schools like this one. He believed the dignity of a child begins with the dignity of their classroom,” Maboya said.
“He carried in his heart a fierce conviction: no matter where a child comes from, they deserve the best education this province can offer. It is destiny that on the day we open this dignified new school, we also rename it in his honour.”
The ceremony drew Makgoe’s family members, educators, government officials, and community leaders, all united in remembering a man who was more than just an MEC but was a visionary educator and champion of equal opportunity.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Junior Makgoe, the late MEC’s son, expressed deep gratitude.
“Thank you, MEC Maboya, for continuing to honour my father after all these years. Seeing how many lives he touched is overwhelming. This school is beautiful, clean and modern – exactly the kind of environment my father wanted for every learner. I will never forget this day,” he said.
The newly renamed Dr. Tate Makgoe Primary School is already attracting national recognition. It has been nominated for a Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) Award for its innovative and future-focused architectural design.
The school is equipped with Mathematics and Science laboratories, a computer lab, and a fully stocked library; these are facilities that reflect Makgoe’s belief that quality infrastructure is a cornerstone of quality education.
“This school reflects everything my father stood for: excellence, innovation and opportunity for all,” Junior Makgoe added.
Dr. Makgoe served as Free State MEC for Education for 14 years, during which the province repeatedly topped the national matric results rankings. He was known for his hands-on leadership, visiting schools personally to assess conditions and motivate learners. His legacy remains a key pillar of the province’s education success story.
As his name now adorns the gates of a modern, thriving school in Bergman, Dr. Tate Makgoe’s legacy continues to inspire. Every child who walks through its doors carries forward the dream of a man who believed education could change lives.
