Deputy Chair, on behalf of the UDM we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, the ANC and friends of the late member of the NA, Ms Yolanda Botha.
The late Ms Yolanda Botha served the people of South Africa in various positions as part of her contribution to the making of a better society for all to live in. At the time of her untimely departure, she was continuing her service to the nation as a dedicated member of one of the challenging and overworked portfolio committees, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development. It is clear from her choice of committee that her passion for the care of the most vulnerable was primary in discharging her political responsibility to the nation. Her contribution to the work of the committee and the nation is surely being missed already.
To the family, we hope with time you will be able to close the chapter and keep her in your minds for how good she was among you. You know best that indeed she played her role and did the best she could to discharge her family responsibilities. We say to you, keep loving her so that she can always be part of you. It is when great souls die that, after a period, peace blooms slowly and irregularly. Indeed, it will never be the same but we all know that she existed and we know this because of her work. May her soul rest in peace. I thank you.