Chairperson, during my time as chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services I worked with Comrade Florence Nyanda, who served in the NCOP and in that committee from 2004. I have a very clear recollection of her passionate devotion to the welfare of women and children, particularly those in prison. She was committed to women's issues. That goes without saying. For a long period of her life, she served as a member of the ANC Women's League.
Cope's president, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, and the party in general were deeply saddened by the news of her passing after a short illness. In a statement released by Cope, the president expressed his deep sadness at losing such a dedicated person who fought for freedom in our lifetime. On behalf of Cope we are saying to the Nyanda family that you are not alone in having lost someone special. The entire country has suffered a loss.
Regarding the late Minister Roy Padayachie, like many of us he started out as a student activist in the 1960s and 1970s. From there he began to participate in community organisations like the Durban Housing Action Committee. He was also an executive committee member of the Natal Indian Congress. He was an active member of the United Democratic Front. I personally worked with the late Minister in the structures of the UDF in those days. We will really miss such a good and dedicated freedom fighter, who sacrificed so much in his life for all of us to enjoy what we are enjoying today. May his soul rest in peace.