Speaker, hon members, and Collins Chabane's family, the late Collins Chabane was an officer and a gentleman of our time.
I am speaking of a man who was a thinker and a strategist. Some people would notice him as a person who was quiet, but in meetings, when you listened to him speaking, you would have a different view. His eloquence and articulateness would make you to want to listen more to him. I am saying this because I had an opportunity during the mid-90s to be in many meetings with him.
This is a sign that he was indeed a man with knowledge and experience of the struggle. Mr Chabane was a stalwart through and through. As far as I can recall, he never used the struggle for self-aggrandisement and enrichment.
His contribution ever since he became a Member of Parliament and a Minister will never be forgotten, and this country has lost a leader indeed. Our souls are deeply saddened by his sudden death. Our Parliament and the country have lost an extraordinary leader.
To his wife and immediate family, the family of his security assistants, the ANC, colleagues, and friends, we are all witnesses of his telling contributions; he batted well during his innings. As painful as it is, this is not a time to cry but rather celebrate a well-lived life. I hope the way he conducted himself sets an example to be emulated by the current generation.
May his soul rest in peace. Thank you.