Eastern Cape
Premier Oscar Mabuyane has expressed sadness following the untimely passing of
Dr Soyisile Nuku who was Eastern Cape Department of Education Acting Head of Department.
Dr. Nuku
passed on yesterday [January 24] at the age of 64 in an East London hospital
following a short illness.
“He was an
astute administrator who started off as an educator and moved up the ranks to
be a principal. He left the classroom to join the administration corridors,
serving in various management positions including as a Deputy Director General
before he retired,” read a statement issued by Mabuyane’s office.
The late Dr
Nuku has been described as a seasoned public servant, whose commitment and
passion for education had been evident throughout his life.
In April
2023, Dr Nuku came out of retirement, having accepted Premier Mabuyane’s call
for him to serve as an Acting HOD in the Department of Education, a position he
held until his untimely departure.
In the last
year, he has been instrumental in leading the Department of Education
administration which recently celebrated the unprecedented 81.4% matric pass
rate.
Premier
Mabuyane has lauded Dr. Nuku’s contribution in the education sector in the
province,
describing
him as a patriot who stayed true to his calling and left an indelible mark in
the provincial administration.
He has on
behalf of the Eastern Provincial Government and the people of the province
conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues Dr
Nuku.
“We want to
convey our deepest condolences to the family. Dr. Nuku was also family to us.
He was a patriot. When he left the service and we called him back, he did not
hesitate. He came in with a plan and made sure that the department moves
forward because he was fit for purpose.”
“We know
that the age was not on his side, but I was looking forward to having him
longer for the sake of stability in the department. His passing is devastating
but may his soul rest in peace,” said Mabuyane.
