Hon Chairperson, we have heard from colleagues from different parties today about the life of Mr Coetzee. Now, normally, we have motions of condolence for Members of Parliament and we remember some of our colleagues. It is different today, however, because it is one of our senior officials. It is the Secretary to Parliament, and I don't think that this has happened since we arrived in 1994.
All our colleagues have basically paid tribute to the life of Mr Coetzee. In the end, regardless of his struggles and where he came from, he acted as the Secretary to Parliament. He fulfilled that role as Secretary to Parliament in such a dignified way, in which he treated all members equally, obviously, and he did his job in such a sterling way that everybody was quite happy and rather excited to have Mr Coetzee become Secretary to Parliament under very difficult circumstances a couple of years ago.
Ek wil van die VF-Plus se kant af aan die mense wat eintlik vandag vir my saak maak 'n paar woorde rig - en dit is die familie van mnr Coetzee. As ons vandag hier klaar gepraat het, dan gaan ons aan met ons werksaamhede en ons gaan aan met ons program, maar dit is sy familie en sy nagelatenes wat huis toe gaan en mnr Coetzee is nog steeds nie daar nie.
Ek wil aan hulle s ons dink aan hulle in 'n moeilike tyd. Dit is nie maklik nie. Daar gaan moeilike dae wees, maar u kan gerus huis toe gaan en weet dat u geliefde sy deel gedoen het. Hy het sy werk verrig met waardigheid en met eer. Hy het opgetree met respek in hierdie Parlement en almal eer hom vir daardie gedagtenis. Baie sterkte vir u in die moeilike tye wat voor mag l, maar weet dat ons ook van die Parlement se kant af, as lede, sal dink aan u en ook steeds hulde sal bring aan die nagedagtenis van mnr Coetzee. Baie dankie. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[On behalf of the FF Plus, I want to say a few words to the people who really matter to me today - and that is the family of Mr Coetzee. Once we have finished talking here today, we will continue with our functions and programme, but it is his family and those he leaves behind who will be going home to find that Mr Coetzee will still not be there.
I want to say to them that we are thinking of them during this difficult time. It is not easy. There are going to be tough days, but you can go home knowing that your loved one had done his part. He performed his job with dignity and honour. He always acted in a courteous manner in this Parliament, and we all respect him for that memory. We wish you strength in this difficult time that lies ahead, but know that from Parliament's side, we as members will think of you and continue to pay tribute to the memory of Mr Coetzee. Thank you very much. [Applause.]]