Thank you, Mr Speaker. Mandlenkosi Mbili was born and grew up in the Nyangwini area in KwaZulu-Natal, but was unfortunately and sadly taken away from us in an unexpected motorcar accident at the young age of only 48 years.
Hon Mbili matriculated at Zwelibanzi High School, whereafter he obtained a Diploma in Marketing Management at the University of South Africa, Unisa, as well as a Bachelor of Administration degree at the University of Zululand. The studies he pursued after matriculating proved his continuous love for gaining knowledge and bears testimony to the fact that he was a person with an inquisitive mind.
While Mandlenkosi was studying, working in the private sector and even after he established his own businesses, he remained committed to his political ideals and remained an active member of the ANC throughout. He was elected to the Regional Executive Committee of the ANC for the Lower South Coast Region, where he served as Regional Working Committee member. He remained particularly committed to the ideals of job creation and the eradication of poverty. Mandlenkosi became a Member of Parliament in 2006, and he passed away while in office. He served as ANC Whip of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Scopa, for a number of years and was transferred to the Standing Committee on Appropriations, Scoa, a few months ago. While serving with the hon Mbili on the Standing Committee on Appropriations, I found him to be serious about his job. He was the type of person who was committed to doing the right thing at all times to benefit all citizens. He was an open, honest, forthright, well-spoken and earnest person.
Mandlenkosi is survived by his wife and fiance, seven children, as well as four grandchildren and three sisters. Our thoughts and sympathy go to his family for the loss of a grandfather, father, husband and staunch family man. Our sympathy also goes to the ANC, who lost an excellent Member of Parliament. He will be missed by all of us and will remain with fondness in our thoughts.