Tributes are pouring in for Dr Mike Lötter who passed away in Johannesburg on Sunday. His family was with him at the time.
Hugely respected in education circles where he was a Chief Director and Acting Superintendent-General of Education in KZN, Dr Lötter’s passing has left a huge hole in the local community.
Friend and colleague, Kevin Burge, said Dr Lötter came to Northern Natal from Durban as Deputy Head of Dundee High School and progressed up the ranks of the Education Department.
“He was in charge of the introduction of school governing bodies for our schools; a process that brought him national (and even international) praise.”Truly a remarkable individual who contributed greatly to the education in our province. May he rest in peace and condolences to his family.”
Terry Worley of the Courier described Dr Lötter as a ‘dapper man who people gravitated towards just to hear his opinion on a variety of local, national or international issues.’
“He was a tremendous public orator and a man who cared about his community and people. A truly sad loss. Deepest condolences to Caroli and the family.”
Dr Lötter was one of the founders of Tourism Dundee and Biggarsberg Primary in Glencoe. He also motivated the establishment of the Majuba FET College in Dundee. The funeral will be held on Saturday.
See the Courier for more tributes.
Many took to social media to pay their respects.
Cheryl Hesom I am so sad to see this. He was my deputy headmaster at DHS and was the best. RIP Mike. Will miss seeing & chatting to you at Spar!
Deborah Dempsey Sad news a true gentleman RIP condolences to the family.
Gregory James Deepest condolences to Dr Lotter’s family. I only had the honour of meeting this incredible man once but he made a deep impact. I was hitchhiking back to Dundee in the army. I had been dropped in a bad place to hitchhike and no cars were stopping. I walked for a few hours trying to get into a more visible place but it got worse.
About a 100 cars passed me. We weren’t allowed to put our thumbs out or to signal cars when in uniform. We were supposed to just stand and wait. Dr Lotter not only stopped for me but had to reverse back quite far. He was very caring.
The most incredible part was the wisdom he shared with me on the drive. I’d say it changed my life. I was battling mild PTSD after the border, was a bit depressed, and had just heard I wouldn’t be able to go to university as my parents couldn’t afford it. He told me “DON’T THINK OF IT THAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO – THINK OF IT THAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO”. He was incredibly encouraging, caring and made me feel like I still had something of value as a person. R.I.P. and thank you.
Amanda Fourie So sad.Will also be missed at Wimpy Dundee.RIP?.Condolences to his family.
Rishard Ismail A sad loss to the education fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.
Jayshree Neerahoo Sympathies to the family.
Irma Streng Nel Dr Mike Lotter, a great educator, indeed! A real gentleman. Our sincere condolences to Caroli and his family!
