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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 Grootboom’s 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 Grootboom’s 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 “Zero Defect Exam”.

A memorial service was held for him in Port Elizabeth’s 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.

“As 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,” 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)