Speaker and hon members, it is with sadness that today we mourn the death of Minister Chabane and his protectors. On behalf of our leader, the hon V Z kaMagwaza-Msibi and the NFP, I convey condolences to the family of Minister Chabane, his relatives, next of kin, and the ANC which he served for many years. The NFP also wants to convey its condolences to the families of his VIP security officers.
When he was nearing his departure, the Apostle Paul wrote and said:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Minister Chabane and his VIP protection officers met death in the call of duty. They were running the race, and they were fighting the good fight. Their memories will be with us for a long time. We are all mourning; South Africa is mourning. Their death is a loss to all of us.
Minister Chabane was indeed a freedom fighter and a true patriot. From an early stage, together with others, he made a choice not to sit back but decided to fight for the liberation of our country. Minister Chabane was imprisoned and even went into exile for this good cause. Minister Chabane was imprisoned, and he unflinchingly carried on with the struggle in spite of the torture and suffering at the hands of the oppressors. He served as MEC in various portfolios. He used his skill and expertise to give direction and shape to the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation portfolio. He also served very well in the Department of Public Service and Administration during this brief period.
It is crystal clear that Minister Chabane served this country with honour, honesty, humility, dedication, and energy. He respected everyone. Minister Chabane never settled for mediocrity. He was a hard worker. He was really dedicated to the cause of nation-building. South Africa has become poorer because of the passing of Minister Chabane. He will be sorely missed, also as a musician and artist of note. We only cherish one hope, and that hope is that there is life after death.
Let there be a full investigation into this accident, with the report being presented very soon.
May his soul and those of his protectors rest in peace. Thank you, Madam Speaker.