It has been with such sadness that we received the news of the passing of our brother, comrade and friend, the Education MEC in the Eastern Cape, Mr Mandla Makupula.

We have been aware of his courageous fight with cancer and had nursed a hope that we would be with him a bit longer.

We are saddened to lose a leader of his stature, integrity, competence and standing in society. His passion for education and dedication to serving our people was well-known.  He displayed maturity and exemplary leadership in the African National Congress, SACP and in government. He was man who stood on principle and a leader we could all trust. His word was his honour.  

Juta was also a humble and friendly person who treated all people with equal measure of respect and carried himself in a dignified manner.  While the family grieves on the loss of a father, brother, uncle and pillar of the whole broader family of amaDlangati, South Africa mourns the passing of a great patriot, a leader and hero of our struggle for transformation and a committed Democrat who led from the front.   
 
For me it is also a personal loss of a friend and a comrade that I was proud to call my brother.  May it comfort the family to know that we share in your grief.  We need to be comforted by the knowledge that he has ascended to a better place where he will suffer pain no more.

Kindly accept our deepest condolences on behalf of my family and I as well as the COGTA family.
 
Sithi uhambe kakuhle Juta!
 
Issued by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Ministry