Zolile Monakali has been appointed to lead the department following the recent death of MEC Mac Jack. Jack lost the battle against Covid-19 in August and got buried in his home province of the Eastern Cape. Monakali, who is a qualified teacher and has extensive experience in the Education Department, will now take the reins and be expected to enhance the provincial education system. 

Premier Zamani Saul in a statement says Monakali is a seasoned public servant and brings with him a wealth of experience that will ensure learners and teachers get the best quality service amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

OFM News on Tuesday reported that approximately 180 schools in the province have been affected by Covid-19 with a total of 232 teachers and 169 learners having tested positive for the virus since June.

Departmental spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, has confirmed the infection rate in schools represents 3,29% of the provincial statistics as it relates to the pandemic and appealed to parents and guardians to keep their children at home if they show any symptoms of the virus.

Honorable Zolile Monakali sworn in as member of the Northern Cape member of the legislature. pic.twitter.com/NXXzZPgxbt

— Deshi Ngxanga (@NgxangaDeshi) September 8, 2020

Monakali, who has also served in a number of leadership positions within various local and district municipalities, is expected to apply his wealth of experience in addressing challenges faced in the Education Department.

He is expected to be officially sworn in on Wednesday 16 September and thereafter officially assume his duties.

OFM News