Hon Speaker, I move:
That the House -
1) notes with profound sadness and a deep sense of personal loss the untimely death of the hon Bishop L J Tolo, who was murdered at 02h00 on Monday 22 August 2011 at his home in GaMasha Village at Nqwabe in Sekhukhune where he was Bishop of Bagaogelwa Apostolic Church from 1976 as well as President of the Limpopo Apostolic Council of Churches from 1991 to date;
2) further notes that Bishop Tolo, who was born on 21 November 1948 and was active in politics from 1977, was a Member of Parliament since 1994, first as an ANC MP and then as a Cope MP since 2009;
3) recognises that Bishop Tolo was a humble man with strong principles and a deep and personal concern for those who were impoverished, sick and physically incapacitated, as witnessed in his determination to pursue relief from government for the people of Sekhukhune, who had a deep-rooted pride for the history of his people and his culture, as manifested in his abiding love of Sepedi, his mother tongue;
4) believes that the murder of Bishop Tolo has taken a loving and caring family man;
5) further believes that the police must leave no stone unturned to track down the perpetrators of this heinous deed that has seen a committed South African becoming another casualty of violent crime, and expose them to the full wrath of the law; and
6) conveys its heartfelt condolences to the Tolo family, his grieving widow, Salome, their four sons, three daughters and ten grandchildren, and to his colleagues and friends across party- political lines as well as the community of Sekhukhune that he served with such devotion.
I wish to recognise and welcome the family of the late Bishop Tolo, in front us, led by his brother. You are welcome.
Hon Speaker ...
... ba gaTolo re re mahloko; mahloko ao t?wago go ANC yeo e bego e le legae la Ntate Tolo. [... our deepest condolences to the Tolo family, on behalf of the ANC, which was home to Mr Tolo.]
I got to know the late hon Tolo in the 1990s, when we were busy organising a sub-region in our region, which is today a region of Sekhukhune. It was then the eastern region of the Northern Transvaal, in the former Lebowa.
The late hon Bishop Jack Tolo was born on 21 November 1948, at Sekhukhune, GaMasha. He joined politics in 1968 and became a member of the ANC in 1977, and a Member of Parliament in 1994. Apart from his religious commitment as a Bishop of the Apostolic Church since 1976, the Late Bishop Tolo, a 63- year-old parliamentarian and church pastor, was married to Salome Tolo, and they had 7 children and 10 grandchildren.
The hon Jack Tolo ... o be a le motho yo boleta, wa go sega ka mehla, wa go loka le wa go hlompha bomme. Ka nako yeo re bego re hloma makala, re tlo aga selete sa ka fase ga selete sa bohlabela kua Sekhukhune, ke ile ka kgethwa go ba modulasetulo wa sona gomme Mme Salome Tolo, yo a bego a le mokgotse wa ka, a kgethwa go ba moswaramatlotlo. Re bile bakgotse, ba?omimmogo re thekgilwe ke Mohu Ntate Tolo. Mohu Ntate Tolo e be e le ntate - ba a hlokwa bontate ba ba swanago le yena. Ka nako yeo, dinamelwa di be di hlokega. Mohu Ntate Tolo o be a dira gore Mme Salome o ba le senamelwa sa go re i?a moo re tla go be re nyaka go ya gona ka dinako t?ohle.
Maolokoa a Cope le ba gaTolo, ga le a lahlegelwa le nno?i, le lahleget?we le ANC. Re lahlaget?we ke Mohu Ntate Tolo ka gore o be a le ka go Cope, feela o be o ka seke wa re ke leloko la Cope, o be o ka re ke leloko la ANC ka gore ke mokgatlo wo o ilego wa mo ruta dipolotiki, wa mo ruta bophelo. O bile yena motho woo go fihla let?at?i le a sepelago ka lona, a sa le motho yo a ratago batho. (Translation of Sepedi paragraphs follows.)
[He was a soft-hearted and kind-hearted person with a sense of humour, and had deep respect for women. I remember when we were organising the formation of a new sub-region of the eastern region, I was elected the chairperson and Salome Tolo, who was my friend, the treasurer. We were friends and colleagues with the support of Mr Tolo. The late Mr Tolo was an ideal father - very few can be like him. At that time the transport system was a problem, and Mr Tolo would ensure that his wife, Salome, had secure transport to take us where we were going at all times.
To the members of Cope, and the Tolo family, the ANC shares your loss. Mr Tolo passed on as a Cope member, but you would have mistaken him for an ANC member, for it is the latter that taught him politics and life in general. He was a people's person and remained like that until the very last moment of his life.]
When I met the Tolo family in the 90s, the late Mr Tolo and his wife were people who were very committed to the ANC. When our icon, Mr Nelson Mandela, was released from prison and came to visit Jane Furse, Ntate Tolo had a musical band, and we all marched together to go and fetch Tata and take him to the venue where he was supposed to address the people. As a man and a Christian, Ntate Tolo was God-gifted.
I am so shocked to hear that Ntate Tolo was robbed and killed now, when he was supposed to have been killed then, when he had money, not today.
Mohu Ntate Tolo o be a bu?a Ngwabe, GaMasha. Mabenkele a gagwe a be a le a lesomepedi kua Ngwabe. [The late Mr Tolo was like a king at his home village of Ngwabe, GaMasha where he owned as many as 12 shops.]
Ntate Tolo had a musical band, buses and almost everything that anybody could wish for. He was the first person to have a car there and his wife also had a car. He used to make sure that the wife's car was always full of petrol. Very few fathers and husbands are like him.
I remember Bishop Tolo as a very happy person, and he respected women. He used to say, "I respect women because women are the mothers who can look after the children even when we are not there."
He once related the story that he was working as a truck driver and when he came home he didn't have any money, but his wife took out money and gave it to him to go and buy a car. That is how he got his first car. It is very sad to have lost Bishop Tolo in this day and age.
I remember him as such a happy person with his happy family. He was not even too lazy to cook. When we were organising, we would sometimes finish late, and since I stayed far and our transport was very poor, I used to sleep at his home. When we got there, we would find him cooking. He would dish up, call us, tell us to wash our hands and eat. How many fathers and husbands are doing that?
To the Tolo family, I remember Bishop Tolo as a happy person, always making jokes and being very supportive to women. He used to say, "I respect women more than myself."
I would like to say to his wife, children, family and friends, may they find comfort in having known such a wonderful person. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. May his soul rest in peace!
Sithi akwehlanga elungehli. [We convey our condolences.]
Ba gaTolo mahloko, gomme ga a robale a khut?o! [Our deepest condolences to the Tolo family; may his soul rest in peace!]
Mr Speaker, it was my privilege to have known Jack Tolo since we became senators together in 1994. The Senate consisted of only 90 members and, because it was so small, its members got to know one another rather better than we in the National Assembly know one another. Over time, Bishop Tolo moved from being a political opponent to a respected colleague and then to a close friend.
Moruti, as we called him, was born and grew up in Sekhukhune, in Limpopo. His parents were very poor and he was forced to begin work, as an agricultural worker and then as a driver, when he was very young. He never lost his love of agriculture, for the people of his community, whom he served with such distinction, or his disgust at bad drivers. He constantly complained that young people got driving licences too easily, and that was the reason why there are so many accidents on the road.
He was a simple, straightforward person who knew what was right and what was wrong. He fought for what was right and was passionately opposed to what was wrong. That was what drew him into the struggle for democracy and justice in South Africa and into politics. Because of this passion, he wasn't a person who slavishly followed any particular party line. He was his own man, and he expressed to me his distaste for some political views, particularly for the views of the president of the ANC Youth League, long before it became fashionable to do so.
He was also a person of profound faith. He was a Bishop in the Apostolic Church, and took his ecclesiastical responsibilities very seriously. He was an impressive preacher and used the skill with great effect at this podium, seldom with a single note, particularly when he was speaking about matters that he felt deeply about. He was also a genuine apostle and he was worried about my salvation and used to talk in that deep voice and say, "Selfe, you would never go to heaven if you don't go to church".
He and I and many other colleagues served together in the Select Committee on Security and Justice, in Senate, and later in the Portfolio Committees of Defence and Correctional Services. In fact, Bishop Tolo and I served continuously, since 1994, on the committee dealing with correctional services so long that we became known as "Blou Baadjies", the name that offenders give to habitual criminals.
His passion shone through in that committee as well. He believed in discipline, order and in paying one's debt to society. But, he also believed that each human soul is created in the image of God and that, therefore, human beings are redeemable and able to be rehabilitated. He was also very proud of this democratic Parliament that he had helped to create. Only last Thursday we were talking about the fact that there were now only 27 members of both Houses of Parliament who were Members of Parliament in 1994. Tragically, there are now only 26.
His death and the way he died are terrible. We speak often about crime in this House, but it is when a ghastly murder like this happens that we again appreciate the reality faced by hundreds of thousands of victims of violent crime in this country. We trust that the perpetrators of this horrible crime will be arrested soon and face the full force of the law. His death has robbed us all of a gentleman, a patriot, a priest, a parliamentarian and a leader. But, it has also robbed us of a great friend. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Salome, his children and grandchildren, his congregants, his community and to his colleagues in Cope. The one consolation that we can all draw in this terrible time is that, whatever happens to my soul, I am absolutely certain that his is in heaven. Rest in peace, my friend. [Applause.]
Mr Speaker, on behalf of the IFP, we want to register our shock on hearing that a Member of Parliament has been murdered in his home, and that nobody has yet been arrested as we speak. The IFP finds it very strange that a Member of Parliament, who was a leader of people, was attacked and killed in his house for a few pieces of jewellery and just R7 000, in front of his family members, and that nobody has been arrested as yet.
Bishop Tolo was a kind man, beloved by everybody, very passionate about his people and the area where he came from, including his family. Therefore, a murder such as this one does not augur well for the security operators of this country, especially the Members of Parliament.
Bishop Tolo was a great friend of mine. When I joined the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services we became friends. When we went outside of Parliament with committees to do oversight work, we became even better friends and grew to understand each other better each day. It is very sad to hear that a person can lose his life the way that he lost his.
I want to extend our condolences to the family and friends, especially his wife, relatives and colleagues. We are making a request to the police to make sure that they do everything in their power to arrest the perpetrators and ensure that those found are found guilty of this hideous crime and languish in jail - to honour a man as honourable as Bishop Tolo. Uhambe kakuhle Bishop. [Go well, Bisop]. Thank you. [Applause.]
Speaker and hon members, ... monna wa lerato, monna wa botho, monna wa seriti, monna wa senatla, monna wa kwelobohloko; yoo ke Mna Tolo. Beke e fetilego o tlile go nna mola ke dulago gona, a ntshwara mo legetleng a mpot?a gore, o swanet?e go dira maano a go bit?a kopano ya batho ba go t?wa Limpopo, gore ge go nale mathata re tsebi?ane. (Translation of Sepedi paragraph follows.)
[... a man who loved people, a kind man, a dignified man, a strong man, a compassionate man; that was Mr Tolo. Last week he came to my place, put his hand on my shoulder and told me that he has to call all the people who are from Limpopo to a meeting so that we could inform each other when we encounter problems.]
He said this because I had lost a son two weeks before, and he did not know about it. When he came there, he came with a suggestion, to inform people who are closer to one another when death strikes. He said that he would take it upon himself to call that meeting. I really don't know what is going to happen, because he is gone.
Fela ke monna wa lerato. [He loved people.]
The UDM once more extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues, on the tragic death of the late hon Jack Tolo.
Once again, crime has robbed us of a diligent and hardworking citizen. Government needs to intensify its efforts in fighting violent crime in South Africa, in order to prevent further unnecessary losses of life.
He succeeded in playing various parliamentary roles which came and went over a long career in politics. Underneath, though, Bishop Jack Tolo was a community builder. He never hesitated in drawing from his personal resources in order to help members of his community.
Taba ya metsotso e mebedi e tlo mpolaya ka gore nka se kgone go bolela t?e dingwe ka baka la nako ye. [Two minutes is not enough because I won't be able to say everything I wanted to say.]
Ke tla go fa metsotso e mengwe e mebedi. [I will give you two more minutes.]
Like us, there will be many people who share in his family's grief during this time of bereavement. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. May his soul rest in peace.
... fela pelo t?a rena di kwele bohloko batho ba Modimo. A re tsebe gore na ro dula kae; ro dula ka gare ga melete re t?haba dikelema goba re ye kae ka baka la gore le dintlong t?a rena ga go sana mo re ka khutago gona, ba a go lalela; ba dira dilo t?e kamoka ga t?ona.
A re emeng ka maoto re nyake maano a go lwa le dilo t?e. Dilo t?e ke dinokwane, ga di a loka, di a re fet?a. Ka bo?igo ke nna, ka le lengwe let?at?i e tla be e le wena. Ke a leboga. [Legoswi.] (Transalation of Sepedi paragraphs follows.)
[... we are in pain. We don't know where to stay now; must we go and stay in the holes to hide from the criminals, or where must we stay because we are no longer safe in our own homes? They lie in ambush waiting for you; they do all these things.
Let us stand on our feet and find a way of dealing with these criminals. They are rogues, they are dangerous, and they are killing us. Tomorrow they might do the same to me or to you. Thank you. [Applause.]]
Hon Speaker, personally, it is with real sadness that I express my condolences on the death of the hon Bishop Jack Tolo. The hon Tolo was a very special man, and we experienced it in that way in this House.
He had a special love for his mother tongue, Sepedi. He was proud of his people's history and of their culture. We had long discussions, specifically on these issues, and the important role that one's mother tongue plays. We agreed on these issues, specifically on how important the mother tongue of everyone in South Africa is, for the dignity of everyone in our country.
Ek sal, daarom verder in Afrikaans praat en die agb Tolo sal dit juis baie goed verstaan en aanmoedig. Ons het baie keer ook so in Afrikaans met mekaar gepraat.
Ons, in die VF Plus, was sedert 1994 saam met hom hier in die Parlement en ons tel dan ook onder daardie 26 wat oorgebly het. Daarom het ons mekaar oor 'n lang tyd leer ken.
Hy was altyd vriendelik en aangenaam, maar mens moes dit nie met swakheid verwar het nie. Hy het nie gehuiwer om vir sy mense in Sekhukhune hier te veg en na hul beste belange om te sien, sover hy dit kon regkry nie.
Ek het hom by Binnelandse Sake en by Landbou, wat vir hom belangrik was, leer ken, waar hy altyd belangrike bydraes op 'n aangename manier gemaak het. As 'n Cope-stigterslid het ons hom bewonder vir die moed om volgens sy oortuigings op te tree in daardie moeilike tyd in 2009, net voor die verkiesing.
Ons wil van die VF Plus se kant af die hoop uitspreek dat die misdadigers deur die polisie gevang sal word, sodat ons die volle waarheid oor sy onnatuurlike dood sal kan vasstel.
Ek is dankbaar dat sy familie hier teenwoordig is om ook die hulde te kan hoor wat ons, wat hom hier leer ken het, bring. Ek dra graag die simpatie van die VF Plus, maar ook van die hele Huis oor aan sy vrou, Salome, en aan sy kinders en kleinkinders. Waar biskop Tolo as 'n Christen aktief in sy kerk betrokke was as 'n oortuigde gelowige, bid ons as mede-Christene vir troos vir sy vrou en kinders. Ek dank u. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Therefore, I will continue in Afrikaans and the hon Tolo would certainly understand it very well and encourage it. Likewise, we also conversed with each other on many occasions in Afrikaans.
We, in the FF Plus, joined him here in Parliament in 1994 and we can consequently be reckoned amongst those 26 people who remain behind. Hence we came to know each other over a long period of time.
He was always friendly and pleasant, but one did not regard this as a sign of weakness. He did not hesitate to fight here for his people in Sekhukhune and took care of their best interests, in so far as it was within his power to do so.
I got to know him at Home Affairs and Agriculture, which were very important to him, where he always made important contributions in a pleasant manner. As a founder member of Cope we admired him for having the courage of his convictions during that difficult time in 2009, just before the elections.
On behalf of the FF Plus we would like to express the hope that the police will apprehend the criminals in order for us to ascertain the whole truth about the unnatural way in which he died.
I am grateful that his family is present here, also listening to us, who got to know him here, paying tribute to him. I readily convey the sympathy of the FF Plus, but also that of the entire House to his wife, Salome, and his children and grandchildren. Where Bishop Tolo as a Christian was active in his church as a committed believer, we pray as fellow Christians that his wife and children may be comforted. I thank you.]
Thank you, hon Speaker. The ACDP learned with shock and sadness of the death of Bishop Tolo, as he was affectionately known. He died in an attack by armed robbers on his home and family, in the early hours of Monday morning, in Polokwane.
The 63-year-old parliamentarian, who was also a pastor, served in the leadership of the Apostolic Church since the 1970s. He was in the process of building a church for his congregants, which was also to be used as a community hall by villagers.
Hon Tolo, who represented a rural Limpopo constituency, and, over time, served on various committees, including Arts and Culture, Agriculture and Land Affairs, Defence, and Correctional Services, was diligent in every way and was always on top of the issues. He was known as a generous man and is remembered for building houses for poor families in GaMasha village, outside Sekhukhune, in Limpopo.
The ACDP shares the distress of his family, friends and colleagues in the party, on this untimely loss of life. We extend sincere condolences to his wife Salome, their s7 children and 10 grandchildren, their extended family, friends and congregants, his colleagues in Cope and the members of this House who have known him for many years. Thank you. |
Ke a leboga Mmusakgotla. Rona re le batho ba UCDP, dipelo tsa rona di gamuketse botlhoko ka rre Tolo. Rre Tolo o ne a re makatsa, re na le kgwedi fela re le fano, re sa itse ope fano, ka bona a tsena kwa go rona. Fa a tsena ga a ise a ke a dumedise, o tsene fela a bo a re wa bona wena kgaitsadio ke sebare sa ka. Jaanong ke ipotsa gore ntate yo ke mang, a bo a ipolela a re nna ke Tolo ke Leloko la Palamente. E le motho yo o nang le botho a re bolelela gore o itse mapalamente a rona.
Go tloga foo, rre Tolo ya nna tsala ya batho ba UCDP. Re maketse thata fa re tla go utlwa go twe rre Tolo o tsamaile. Fa re fetsa moo ka boela gae mme ka bolela gore go na le ntate yo mongwe yo o neng a tla kwa go rona a re bolelela gore o a le itse. E rile ke ise ke bue leina la gagwe rre wa ka a re o raya rre Tolo. (Translation of Setswana paragraphs follows.)
[Ms I C DITSHETELO: Thank you, Speaker. As the UCDP members, we are heartbroken about Mr Tolo. Mr Tolo surprised us in only our first month here; we didn't know anyone and I saw him arrive at our place. He didn't greet when he came in; he just said your brother is my in-law. And I asked myself who is this man; he then said I am Tolo and I am a Member of Parliament. He was friendly and told us that he knew our fellow parliamentarians.
From there, Mr Tolo befriended UCDP members. We are shocked to hear that Mr Tolo has passed away. After that, I went back home and I told them about a certain gentleman who came and told us that he knew them. Before I could even say his name, my father asked if I was talking about Mr Tolo.] That was a very good man and he was polished.
Re utlwile borra Tolo gore re kgaogane le tsala ya rona. Go le gantsi fa re le mo dipolotiking ga re tshwaragane ka matsogo fela se se diragatseng gompieno se tshwanetse se re kopanye bagaetsho. Ke nnete ntate yo o tshetse le rona jalo ka nako tsotlhe. Ka nako tsotlhe o ne a re botsa gore le kwa kae maUCDP mme le dira eng. Tsogang! ntwa e teng. Jaanong ke ka moo ke reng ... (Translation of Setswana paragraph follows.)
[To the Tolos, we heard that we had separated from our friend. Normally in politics we are not united, but what happened today should unite us. It is true that this gentleman lived with us like that. All the time he used to ask us where the UCDP members were and what we were doing. Wake up! There's a war. That is why I say ...]
... may you find solace and comfort in the legacy he left, his commitment and willingness to serve his country and his firm stand on issues he believed in. May his soul rest in peace.
Kgotsofalang bagaetsho. A ntho ya lona e fole. Pelo tsa lona ga di utlwile botlhoko di tshwana fela le tsa rona. Ke a leboga.[Legofi.] [Celebrate his life and may your wound be healed. Your broken hearts are similar to ours. Thank you. [Applause.]]
Mr Speaker, there are many sorrows in life. One of the greatest sorrows that no one would like to experience is undoubtedly that of death. On behalf of the MF, I bring heartfelt condolences and messages of strength, courage and fortitude to the families, friends and relatives of the late Bishop Tolo for their loss.
Our condolences also go out to Cope, for the loss of an impeccable, dynamic leader, a true servant of the Lord and a true citizen of humanity. It is quite correctly said that true leaders are those who add value to society. With his warm and caring personality, the late Bishop always showed compassion for the poor and destitute with great humility.
Today I am reminded of the profound words of Madiba, when he said, and I quote:
There must be peace for all. You must not be afraid to say what you want to say today. People might dislike what you say today, but will remember what you say today tomorrow.
This is precisely the kind of personality the late Tolo was. He wanted peace for all. He ensured that the Word of the Lord was upheld so that one's strength could be renewed. He went the extra mile to serve his people. He had the knowledge, the experience and the skill to preside over challenging issues. He served his organisation, Cope, with honesty, integrity and hard work. He played an integral role in bringing about peace and stability amongst his members and organisation. Many who endured hardship had benefitted from the generosity of the late Bishop Tolo, who, you have heard, built houses for the needy and destitute with his own money. What an amazing characteristic!
The late Bishop Tolo will undoubtedly be sadly missed by all those who loved him so dearly. Mrs Tolo, because of your strength and support, you have delivered the late Bishop to be an astounding, remarkable and dignified leader. God bless you and give you the strength to deal with your irreplaceable loss. May peace be upon him through the grace of God Almighty. May his soul rest in peace in the high heavens. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mohl Seboledi, mohl Motlat?a Mopresidente, bahlomphegi Ditona le Batlat?a Tona, maloko ao a hlomphegago a Ngwako, ba lapa la Mopi?opo Tolo, re ile ra t?hoga le go se dumele ge re ekwa ka lehu la modiri?ani ka rena, Mopi?opo Tolo. Go se dumele ga rena go tli?wa ke gore re be re na le yena bekeng ya go feta, re t?eere mehlamo gape re sega. Ke ka fao re rilego go kwa taba ye ya ba eke go tla tla lent?u le lengwe ka morago la gore, "Ga go bjalo. Re be re sa kwa gabotse."
Lehu la Mopi?opo Tolo ke tahlegelo go ba lapa le meloko, Bagaugelwa Apostolic Church, profense ya ge?o ya Limpopo, mokgatlo wa Cope le naga ya Afrika-Borwa ka bophara. Re lahleget?we ke monna wa lerato; monna wa sefahlego sa go dula se edile; monna wa go se fele pelo. Mohl Mopi?opo Tolo e be e le motho wa maele; motho wa go dula a hlohlelet?a batho gore ba dire gabotse. Go fihleng ga ka Palamenteng ngwageng wa go feta, Mopi?opo Tolo e bile yo mongwe wa batho bao ke ilego ka ithekga ka bona. Ke be ke fela ke re mo ke gakanegilego gona ke bot?i?e gore naa mo go tle go dirwe bjang. O be a nkamogela ka lethabo gape a fela a ntebogi?a a re, "O a bona Dikobo, o bolet?e gabotse lehono. Ga ke go reke sefahlego."
Re lahleget?we ke senatla; mogale wa bagale. Mokgapa wo mogolo o wele, dithaga di lla ma?ogo?ogo. Re re go ba lapa, homot?egang. A re se ke ra dumela mokgwa wo Mopi?opo Tolo a hlokofet?ego ka wona o re ?ira ra se bone lerato la Modimo le dit?hegofat?o t?eo re bilego le t?ona ka lebaka la bophelo bja papa Tolo. Ee, re gobet?e. Efela a re kweng talet?o ya Modimo ge a re go rena, "Etlang go nna bohle bao le imet?wego le bao le lapi?it?wego, nna ke tla le khut?i?a." O re: "Ithwe?eng joko ya ka ka gore yona e bobebe."
Legatong la Azapo, ke re mahloko go ba lapa le metswalle, ba kereke le ba mokgatlo wa Cope. Re re eke moya wa gagwe o ka robala ka khut?o. Ke a leboga. [Legofsi.] (Translation of Sepedi speech follows.)
[Mr K J DIKOBO: Hon Speaker, hon Deputy President, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers, hon Members of Parliament, the family of Bishop Tolo, we were shocked and could not believe when we heard about our colleague Bishop Tolo's death. We could not believe the sad news because he was with us here last week and we were talking and laughing. After hearing the sad news we thought maybe somebody would later come and tell us that it is not true, that we had been misinformed.
His untimely death is a loss to the family and friends, Bagaugelwa Apostolic Church, Limpopo province, Cope and the whole of South Africa. We have lost a loving man, a man who was always happy, a patient man.
Hon Bishop Tolo always encouraged people to do good at all times. Bishop Tolo is one of the people I relied on when I arrived in Parliament last year. I used to contact him whenever I needed clarity on something. He always responded with love and he would sometimes praise me and say, "You see, Dikobo, to be honest with you, you spoke very well today".
We have lost a strong man, a hero. We are saddened by the death of this great man. We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family. Let us not allow the brutal murder of hon Tolo to overshadow the love and the blessings we received from God through the life of hon Tolo. Yes, we are in deep pain, but let us listen to God when he says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." God says, "Take my yoke upon you... for my yoke is easy."
On behalf of Azapo, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, the friends, the church members and Cope members. May his soul rest in peace. Thank you. [Applause.]]
Hon Speaker, Tata Tolo was an upright man who practised genuine humility and who carried himself with courteous dignity. His spiritual belief shaped the course of his life. It is no wonder then that the lifelong activism in him drew strength whenever he was faced with adversity. I refer to the biblical quotation, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31.
All of us who knew him well will know how very fond he was of this quotation. Bishop Tolo was a dedicated churchman, a respected community leader, an enterprising businessperson and a diligent Member of Parliament who pursued social justice for his people without letting up. He took his duties very seriously and he administered pastoral care with passion and a deep sense of humility.
Bishop Tolo was a man in the Walter Sisulu mould. He never sought publicity and yet, among his peers, he was the moral rock that people could depend on. Every one of us will also remember that whenever he addressed this House, he preferred to speak in his native Sepedi because he valued culture and tradition very highly.
He was close to King Sekhukhune and the tribal elders. The Sowetan observed that he was a man "rooted in community". Indeed, he never left his home village of GaMasha in the Sekhukhune area. Today we hear of some of the good work he undertook, of which we had no knowledge. At his own expense, he renovated the GaMasha tribal office, and added three classrooms to the Masha tribal school.
Four families were the recipients of houses he built for them because he was so moved by the circumstances of their lives. At the GaMasha clinic, he built a three-roomed attachment so that pregnant women no longer needed to give birth out in the open. He helped to fence the cemetery and build a toilet in the cemetery complex.
Bishop Tolo generously bore catering expenses when community meetings were held; at every turn he used his influence and resources to bring relief to the people around him. When Madiba visited the Sekhukhune area before the 1994 elections, Bishop Tolo was called up onto the stage and publicly acknowledged by the father of our democracy for his long and distinguished service to the community.
Bishop Tolo was a man of peace and we who knew him well are deeply anguished at the violent nature of his death. We are also immensely saddened by the trauma that his wife Salome and the family experienced on that sad and tragic morning when he was snatched away from all of us.
His strength of character, his humour, his moral rectitude and his unflinching adherence to the truth were what fortified all of us. If politics are served by people of his quality and integrity, no one will ever have any criticism of politicians ever again. This is the challenge he leaves us and the challenge the country wants to see us rise to. Our deepest condolences to his wife, sons, daughters and the entire family!
Robala gabotse, sebata, moetapele wa batho ba Afrika-Borwa. [Rest in peace, a hero and leader of South African people.]
Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon members, I take it that there are no objections to the adoption of the motion by the House. Will members please rise to observe a moment of silence in memory of the late Bishop Tolo.
Debate concluded.
Motion agreed to, members standing.
Please be seated. The condolences of the House will be conveyed to the Tolo family. I thank you.