House Chairperson, as the AIC we convey our condolences to the family of the deceased
former Deputy Minister. It was not easy to believe that she had died. We really appreciate the contribution that she made to the government of this country; she was such a diligent and an energetic member of the Cabinet. She died at the time when we needed her most.
She was one of the possible qualities among the women of our country. Her death was a great loss not only to her family and the ANC but to all of us. The fact that she died while she was trying to save lives means a lot. She was always prepared to assist.
However, she could not have avoided her day; her name had been called and she had to respond positively. Of course no one is meant to live forever; we all have our days to depart for the better world. Therefore, be comforted and find closure in all of this; you are not alone.
We hope that we shall meet her as promised by the Almighty. We are all in the queue to the grave, but she apparently jumped the queue because she was still very young - we didn't expect her to die.
Those whom God love die young. Of course even the elderly people die, but young in the sense that she had a good heart and not in terms of age.
IsiZulu:
Ngakhoke, isitsha esihle asidleli.
English: 14:44
If I can just quote Shakespeare although I am against what the quote says: "The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones."
So, we are going to remember her. We are not going to remember the bad that she did but the good. That is why I said I am against Shakespeare when he says that we should bury the good and remember the bad. May her soul rest in peace. Thank you.