By Levy Masiteng 

Outgoing Deputy Minister of Higher Education Mimmy Gondwe has bid farewell to the post-school education sector after the DA recalled her and asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint Yusuf Cassim in her place.

In a farewell statement issued after the DA’s announcement on Wednesday, Gondwe thanked colleagues, stakeholders and students across the country for the opportunity to serve, saying she would continue to keep students “in my heart and in my prayers”.

“After the recent announcement of upcoming changes within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and my subsequent recall, I want to sincerely thank everyone for the opportunity to serve in this important role,” she said.

Her departure came after DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis wrote to Ramaphosa proposing changes to the party’s representatives in the GNU.

Gondwe served as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training for nearly two years after she was named to the position in 2024 following the formation of the GNU after the general elections.

Before joining the executive, she served as a DA Member of Parliament and held several shadow ministerial roles, including Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises.

Gondwe highlighted several achievements during her term, including infrastructure support for Community Education and Training colleges and partnerships with companies such as Microsoft, Google, Old Mutual and Takealot, to expand digital skills and employment opportunities for students.

She also pointed to the work of the Deputy Minister’s Help Desk, which she said handled more than 67,000 enquiries with a 91% resolution rate, and her leadership of the national Bogus Colleges Awareness Campaign.

“I wish my successor well and every success in building on the foundation I have laid,” Gondwe said.

She also thanked the DA, Ramaphosa, government officials and private-sector partners for their support and collaboration during her time in office.

“I will continue to keep all students in my heart and in my prayers. It was an absolute honour and a privilege to serve in the sector.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

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