Western Cape MEC for education Debbie Schäfer tendered her resignation ahead of changes to the provincial cabinet, the office of premier Alan Winde confirmed Thursday afternoon.
Schäfer served in this position for eight years and will leave office with effect from May 15 2022.
“It has been my great privilege to have served as (MEC for) education in the Western Cape Government for the last eight years,” she said in a joint statement with Winde.
“I believe I have left the department in a better place than I found it, and am proud of the work that we have, together, achieved.”
Schäfer said she’s ready to bow out of public life.
“I am in the fortunate position to have been offered a job in the legal sector in the UK, which I have accepted.
“I will be joining some of my family there which presents a unique opportunity for us to experience together.”
Winde accepted Schäfer’s resignation.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Debbie for her excellent service to the people of the Western Cape, especially our province’s children.
“Anyone who knows Debbie knows that she is a strong and tenacious leader, who fights hard each and every day to ensure a well-run, quality focused education system in the Western Cape.”
Winde, in a separate statement, said he will on Friday address the media to outline “exciting changes to the provincial cabinet”.
“These bold changes will give life to these commitments, especially his announcements to create a new department for infrastructure and for mobility,” Winde said.
“An important moment presents itself to us, as we look to push forward and deliver on our priorities of jobs, safety and well-being for all.
“We know that we have to be bold, we need to re-think and we need to innovate, so that we deliver the government that you deserve.”