"The passing on of SG Themba Kojana left a huge gap in the administration of the Department as he was an excellent administrator and everyone wondered who was to take his position going forward. I must say that Dr. Mbude indeed you are a worthy successor that has achieved the ultimate honour in the public service and now you are the engen of the department," said Ngobeni.
He added that having risen through the ranks of the education sector, the new SG deserves this position.
"We would like to extend our gratitude to the Provincial government for appointing someone who has been a part of the Department and is from our Province.
We are also grateful to the late SG for grooming her in the last four years, said Ncapayi adding that the union will work together with Mbude only if she also works with the union.
Chris Mdingi from SADTU and Dr Manser from the School Governing Body were also in attendence of the event.
"Naledi must learn to master the art and skill of collective wisdom and how to learn from the past to inform the present and the future of the Department," said Gade.
"If it was not because of the late Kojana, I would not be here today, his determination, experience and willingness to share his knowledge with me over the years pushed me to work even harder," said Mbude.
She added that what Kojana taught her made her assertive enough to take the stand after him.
"I would like to assure everyone that I am not here to settle any scores but to continue from where the late Kojana left off that is to drive the department in the right direction,” concluded Mbude. Additional Reporting: Chulumanco Majeke.