House Chairperson, hon members, colleagues, friends and families of Bavelile Hlongwa, when we learnt of the devastating news that the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy had passed away tragically, it came as a utter sense of disbelief. Just two days before, the Portfolio Committee of Mineral Resources and Energy had a very constructive engagement with the late Deputy Minister in the room above us, E249. We had been discussing the problems at the Central Energy Fund, PetroSA and the Strategic Fuel Fund. These were entities in which the Deputy Minister had taken a particular interest as her qualifications and experience as a chemical engineer working in the petroleum sector, had given her unique insight into the challenges the sector faced. Our interactions were robust, and we didn't always agree. But Bavelile Hlongwa was someone who could disarm you with a friendly smile or a friendly smile or a kind word. And even when we disagreed, we did so in a collegial manner.
Just after the meeting I referred to, she came up to me and we chatted briefly before parting on very amicable terms. She had come to give me her word that the department of energy would investigate the concerns I had raised and that they would be open and transparent in her dealings with me and the other members of the portfolio committee.
In the short time she was with us in Parliament, from just May this year, it was clear that Bavelile Hlongwa was a rising star in both, her political party, the ANC, and more broadly in South African politics.
Not only did she bring much-needed technical knowledge to the portfolio, but she brought an energy and dynamism that was felt by all who interacted with her. We had been looking forward to many more fruitful and beneficial engagements with her. Her skills and knowledge were acknowledged and recognised by her peers who elected her to represent them on the board of the SA Institute of Chemical Engineers in KwaZulu- Natal, an entity she later served as treasurer. She was also a
vocal advocate of youth issues, and had served as president of the students' representative council, SRC, at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and later as the deputy chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency. Bavelile Hlongwa was committed to her country and its people. Indeed, the very manner of her passing while helping others on the side of the road, was indicative of her caring and compassionate nature. She was young, talented, dynamic and had a bubbly personality. In short, she was the future that South Africa could be. Her bright future and demonstrated potential were cut tragically short, and she will be sorely missed both in Parliament and without.
The DA extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the Deputy Minister Bavelile Hlongwa, and to her political home, the ANC. May her soul rest in peace. "Hamba kahle, Bavelile Hlongwa!" [Fare well, Bavelile Hlongwa!"] [Applause.]