Hon Deputy Speaker, what a pleasure to say a few words about Sue van der Merwe! She had an illustrious career in politics, and before she entered this House she was known for her very good work. She made a change in this country. I, together with a few Members of Parliament, joined her on the very first parliamentary visit to Cuba in 1996. This was under the leadership of Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde and it was absolutely a lifetime experience. We became very good friends.
The visit to Cuba in 1996 was like going back in time - cigars were cheap, there were many electricity blackouts, the coffee was good and the hospitality was awesome. We had so many conversations over several Mojito drinks, discussing our recent past relationship with Cuba and the future of our then two-year-old democracy.
Sue was probably one of the most elegant MPs ever to serve in this House. With her bright smile and energy for life, it was always a pleasure to be in her company.
I knew her former husband, Tiaan, who died tragically in a motor accident, well, and I also served with both his brothers in the same residence at the University of Stellenbosch. It is good that her two children are in the gallery today.
I was saddened to learn about her resignation, as she still has so much to offer to Parliament, and I hope that she will carry on to make a difference for the betterment of South Africa. Sue loves the wildlife of Africa and I hope that she will devote some of her expertise and time towards the conservation of the elephants and rhinos of Africa.
She also served with me and some other MPs on Parliament's wine forum. Therefore, comparing her with a good wine is maybe appropriate. [Laughter.] When you judge a good wine, you look at the colour, smell it and then taste it. [Laughter.] There would then be the very good aftertaste, and if you put all these together, you can then judge whether the wine will mature well in that bottle. There is no doubt that Sue van der Merwe is a five- star wine and she is maturing well. [Applause.]
Sue, we wish you and your family all the best and many good glasses of wine, many trips to see the big five of Africa. She was a good comrade. Hamba kakuhle. Mooi loop, [Go well.] Sue!