Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members and relatives of the late Yolanda Botha, on behalf of the DA I wish to convey to you all our condolences on the passing of your former colleague and family member.
I did not know Ms Botha personally, but I am told that she was a dedicated and hardworking member of the ANC and of the parliamentary caucus. She served as chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Services and had a good understanding of the needs and challenges encountered in this field of work about which she really cared. She encouraged members of the portfolio committee to increase their knowledge by arranging workshops to improve their skills and expertise so that they could make meaningful input into legislation. She was opened-minded and worked well with all members of the committee, taking on their good proposals for the benefit of all. Her last days were marked by suffering from ill health.
To her family who suffered with her and to her friends and colleagues, our condolences on your loss. May she rest in peace.