Hon Speaker, I rise on the sad occasion of the passing away of Sister Bernard Ncube. She was a woman not only of vision and leadership, but also of firm belief and unwavering dedication to her work. She was a highly regarded heroine and veteran of our struggle for freedom and democracy. She gave her life to the church in 1955, when she entered the Companions of Angela religious community. In joining the convent she demonstrated that she was destined to serve humanity.
She was an active member of the ruling party and the church, where she played a great role. She served selflessly in both of these groups with unbridled passion, focus, determination and an uncompromising loyalty to both her colleagues and the party. In 1994 she was elected a Member of Parliament and she chaired the Committee on Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. She has been referred to as being an unorthodox nun who was not afraid of taking counter-populist positions. She followed her conscience and spoke from her heart. She was a woman of integrity and honour. She will be sorely missed.
Friends, we gather here today not only to mourn, but also to celebrate the life, achievements and dedication of Sister Bernard Ncube. She was loved by the people she helped and by the people who worked alongside her. She remains an exemplary role-model in whose footsteps we should all aspire to follow. Sister Ncube was a mother to many who were involved in the struggle for liberation in South Africa.
In conclusion, she will be missed terribly. We are never to forget her. The entire IFP salutes and thanks her for the great work she has done for her people, church and country. May her soul rest in peace.
Ngithanda ukubhekisa kumantombazane onke ale Ndlu ukuthi intombazane isebenzile. Siyayizwa imisebenzi yayo. Kuyinselela kithi ukuthi siyilandele, siyilingise, sibambane, singakhulumi izindaba zombangazwe njengamantombazane. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[I would like to direct this to all the women of this House by saying that this woman worked hard. We have been told about the work she did. It is a challenge to follow in her footsteps - by doing what she did, being united, and not to talk about politics as women.]
We are women; our sufferings are the same. We need to join hands and stop saying, "You are yellow, you are green, and I am blue."
Bengithi angikusho nje lokhu ngingakasuki la enkundleni. Ngiyabonga. [Ihlombe.] [I just wanted to say this before I leave this podium. Thank you. [Applause.]]