employee
10 March 2009
On behalf of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, MEC Mahlubandile
Qwase wishes to send words of sympathy and condolences to the family of the
late Vusi Grootboom.
Mr Grootboomâs tragedic passing came as a shock to the education department
as a whole. Circumstances have robbed us and our children of a gifted educator
in our most profound time of need for such gifted individuals.
Born on 5 May 1963, Vusumzi Grootboomâs career as a teacher started in 1987
at Kwazakhele High School. A year later, Vusi as he was affectionately called
by his friends and family, moved on to Douglas Mbopa High School until 30 June
1996. He ventured on to work at an administrative position, still within the
education sector, with the exam section on 1 July 1996 at the Uitenhage Office.
His remarkable and impeccable quality and style of working saw him later on
moving to the regional office.
Eventually, once the regional offices were done away with, Vusi continued
working in the same section in the now Port Elizabeth District Office, always
seeing to the implementation of a âZero Defect Examâ.
A memorial service was held for him in Port Elizabethâs Edward Memorial
Church. Representation from the exam board and principals were there. Started
at 14h00 till 16h00.
Vusumzi tragically passed away on 27 February 2009 at his home. His untimely
death robbed his six sisters of a brother, left his mother without a son, his
four children without a father. The perpetuating cause of his death is still
unknown.
Vusi was laid to rest in Port Elizabeth on the 7th of March 2009.
âAs the district, we have suffered a tremendous loss. Not only was Vusi an
organised person but he a very humble, calm and collected person who was
committed in his line of work,â said Port Elizabeth Education District Director
Thandeka Mbopha.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
10 March 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)
