It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of a treasured member of the DHET family. Adrienne Patricia Bird was called to rest on 14 June 2019 after a brave battle against acute myeloid leukemia.
Adrienne was renowned as one of the architects of our skills development system and a mother for our Centres of Specialisation. Her contribution to post-school education also led to the development of Gandhi-Mandela Skills Training Institute which opened at the Tshwane South TVET College last October.
She also contributed to enhanced co-operation between South Africa and Japan in the field of information technology with a view of attracting essential skills in support of South Africa’s human resource development strategy. This led to the establishment of the Fitter and Turner Centre at the Northlink TVET College in March this year.
Adrienne’s determination to make a positive impact in South Africa was so strong that she continued making an indelible impact despite being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in June 2015. She resigned from the position of Programme Director for the Centres of Specialisation Programme in September 2018 and passed away at her home two weeks ago. At the time of her passing, Adrienne was wrapping up her book on skills development in South Africa.
Details of Adrienne’s memorial service will be communicated accordingly. She will be sorely missed by her loved ones and members of her DHET family.
Enquiries: Zinathi Mbendeni on 012 943 3263
