Dr. Naledi Mbude was formally introduced on 01 June 2021, as the newly appointed Superintendent General of the Eastern Cape Department of Education in a ceremony that was held at the Provincial headquarters of the Department.

 

This prestigious ceremony was attended by Education  stakeholders such as labour unions which are SADTU, NEHAWU, NAPTOSA, ECEACE, FEDSAS, SANASE, NASGB, SAOU, PSA, ELRC and the Basic education department officials, members of the Education Portfolio committee and departmental officials just to name a few.

 

Delivering a message from Department of Basic Education Minister, Dingaan Ngobeni, Chief of Staff from Ministry of DBE said that the Minister was very proud of Dr. Mbude's appointment.

"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. 

 

Mlungiseleli Ncapayi newly appointed Nehawu Provincial Secretary gave words of encouragement and assured Dr Mbude of their support as the membership of the Province.

"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. 

 

Before signing of the assumption of duty by the new SG, the MEC of Education Fundile Gade explained that the role of the new SG is to learn from the old SG who groomed her and make sure that she educates, transfers her knowledge and skills in her work.

"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.

 

Addressing the attendees for the first time as the SG, Dr. Mbude expressed her gratitude to the late SG Kojana.

"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.