Speaker, the ACDP joins this House in conveying our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the hon Mandlenkosi Mbili, who tragically passed away on 10 July 2012 as a result of a car accident.
Hon Mbili will be well remembered for his unwavering commitment and invaluable contribution to this House, where he participated in a number of portfolio committees, including appropriations. He also served as Whip for Scopa, a role that he, by all accounts, pursued with great vigour and fearlessness, and one in which his propensity for detail flourished.
Parliament's most recent In Session magazine quoted Mr Mbili's fellow Scopa members, who described him as "a colourful character, lively and easy- going, whose commitment was beyond doubt." According to speakers at his memorial service earlier today, he was not shy to speak his mind and understood what a robust Parliament was all about.
He was also known to speak out robustly against corruption. He was one of the ANC's hardest-working and most committed MPs in Parliament and in his home constituency in KwaZulu-Natal.
The ACDP extends its deepest condolences to his brother and daughters - who are with us today - to his wife and the rest of his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May the Lord be your comfort and grant you peace. [Applause.]