Tears flowed as scores of mourners remembered the Eastern Cape education department’s late acting head, Soyisile Nuku, as one of the best officials the province has produced.
Nuku, 64, of the Bhungu administrative area in Libode, passed away on January 24, just days after celebrating the improved 2023 matric pass rate.
His family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances gathered on Tuesday for a memorial service at the Abbotsford Christian Centre in East London, where he was lauded as a rare, resilient man who contributed significantly to the province’s education system.
Nuku completed his first degree in education in 1981 after matriculating from Victor Poto Senior Secondary School in Libode in 1978.
He began teaching in 1981 at the Upper Corhana Senior Secondary School and moved up the ranks, being appointed principal of his former high school in 1990, a position he held until 1996.
He spoke the truth. He believed in making improvement and laying a solid foundation
He served as the district manager of Libode from 1997 to 2001, and as district director from 2001 to 2007.
He attained his doctorate in 2006.
Nuku retired in 2021, returning to service in 2023 to serve as the acting head of department.
“By nature he was not confrontational. He was a great negotiator,” Nuku’s younger brother, Bishop Nkululeko Nuku, said
“He was ... our pillar of strength in our family and in the church.
“He spoke the truth. He believed in making improvement and laying a solid foundation.
“He was a very kind man. He held a thanksgiving ceremony on December 16, as if he was saying goodbye. It was a sudden death.”
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga, who was among the mourners, praised Nuku’s dedication in improving education, saying he was “a very great person”.
“Over a period ... our relationship grew beyond minister and official,” she said.
“We used to share academic notes, have conversations about politics, teacher politics and personal conversations.
“He served with distinction and honour. He rose and became what he became.
“He emerged as a symbol of hope and resilience.
“His contribution went beyond administrative roles. He played a crucial role of shaping education.
“His mission was to impart knowledge, inspire and uplift.”
Education MEC Fundile Gade said Nuku’s passing called for reflection.
“I’m making a clarion call for us to regroup, reorganising ourselves and make more effort in ensure the task ahead is achieved.
“The best ... we can [do is to] all make sure the send-off ... has meaning ... not just to him, but for generations to come,” Gade said.
The province has lost one of its own most reliable allies. We must make sure we do everything that defends the legacy left by Ntusi
“The province has lost one of its own most reliable allies. We must make sure we do everything that defends the legacy left by Ntusi [Nuku].
Provincial treasury head Daluhlanga Majeke described Nuku as a game-changer and born leader.
“If we could have just half of [what] doctor Nuku was we could change the country and the province [at] a significant stride.
“When he came back to the department as the acting HOD it was on its knees.
“A take-over was really needed and it was [deep in] debt. An element of direction was needed.
“We managed to get him out of retirement, and he managed to come through.
“The baton has been left with us. It’s important that we reconnect to this.”
Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko said: “His legacy is in the countless lives he impacted. He was a beacon of integrity.”
Nuku is survived by his wife, four children, six grandchildren and five siblings.
Another memorial service will be held in Libode on Wednesday. He will be buried on Friday.
DispatchLIVE
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