The untimely death of former secretary of the North West Provincial Legislature, Dr. Tuelo Joshua “Baba” Schalk has robbed the province of a committed son of the province who was and loyal servant of the people, a true revolutionary and a cadre, North West Premier Thandi Modise.
“Dr. Schalk who was affectionately known as Baba was well read, capacitated, humorous and humble. He was helpful to those in need, forthright, articulate and arrogant in argument to the arrogant. In him we have lost a fighter and a brother who was a snazzy dressed with a ready smile. We are saddened by his premature death as his contribution will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this period of sadness,” said Premier Modise in conveying her condolences.
Modise who had worked closely with Schalk when she was Speaker of the provincial legislature said that his contribution as a trade unionist at the height of oppression, former chief representative of the ANC to Namibia and secretary of the provincial legislature have left an indelible mark in the sands of time.
Dr. Schalk who was affectionately known as “Baba” was appointed six weeks ago as a Resort Manager for Madikwe River Lodge, a subsidiary of Dirapeng Pty Ltd, a state owned entity established by the North West Parks and Tourism Board. He was on route to Tourism Indaba when he reportedly slipped and fell down an escalator at OR Tambo Airport and succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Dr. Schalk was born on 8 December 1960 in Huhudi Township near Vryburg. He had obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Masters in Business Administration Degree (MBA), Honors Degree in Public Management & Governance and a Masters Degree in Development & Management including Masters in Public Administration (MPA). He studied at various tertiary institutions including University of South Africa (UNISA), New Port University (USA) and North West University.
Dr. Schalk has 32 years working experience with skills including strategic and change management, public policy analysis, project management, office administration and labour relations, financial and human resource management, communication and marketing, diplomacy, qualitative and quantitative research and writing of speeches and articles.
Dr. Schalk had a deep passion for developmental issues in all sectors of society as well as Public Service and had a solid understanding of Section 9 institutions including Quasi – State Institutions.
Memorial services in honour of Dr. Schalk are to be held at 11h00 am Cookes Lake in Mahikeng on Thursday and at Vryburg Banquet Hall at 3:00 pm.
His funeral is to be held on Saturday at 7h00 at Vryburg Fairview Estate.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
