The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala has conveyed his sadness at the news of the passing of former Head of Department of Education in KZN Dr Enock Nzama.

Dr Nzama had recently retired following a lifetime of service to the education sector in the province.

"It is with great sadness and shock that we learned the news of Dr Nzama's passing, so soon after retiring as Head of Department of Education in our province," said Premier Zikalala.

"Dr Enock Vusumuzi Nzama spent his entire working life as an educator in various roles including as principal at Sivananda Technical High School in KwaMashu. As a teacher and district director Dr Nzama consciously produced outstanding learners who have since taken their places in society," said Premier Zikalala.

Dr Nzama started working for the Department of Education in 1983 as a teacher at Ohlange High School and later became principal at a number of schools in the province. He served the education department in many capacities including being Chief Education Specialist in 2001 and Director of Education provisioning in 2002.

In 2014 Nzama assumed the position of Deputy-Director General responsible for curriculum management and delivery. In October 2016 Dr Nzama was appointed Head of Department and had only recently retired.

"We have lost a pioneer and a doyen in education who distinguished himself as DDG and later as HOD, thus leading the charge and as the province we improved matric results in our province, " said Premier Zikalala.

“Dr Nzama was a gentlemen and a disciplinarian who was dedicated to improving the lives of the majority and who prepared thousands of young people for entry into adult life and to be outstanding citzens," noted Premier Zikalala.

“Our prayers and sincere condolences are with Dr Nzama's family and we pray for his family's peace and comfort as they go through this trying period, ” said Premier Zikalala.

Ends

Issued by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government