Mr Chairman, members of the House, Ministers present, it is with sadness that I rise to speak to you on the passing of Minister Radhakrishna Lutchmana Padayachie, popularly known as Roy. Roy was from my province, KwaZulu-Natal. He was a special person, held in very high esteem by the party he served steadfastly, unwaveringly and loyally. His demeanour, mannerisms and utmost humility were a living expression of the character traits of his name, that is truthful, morally upright, mischievous and humorous.
He was one of the leading political architects of the Natal Indian Congress and for this he was harassed, virtually on a daily basis, by the Bureau of State Security and later by the Special Branch. He shared many a story of his endeavours to evade arrest. He and his family paid a high price when he served time on Robben Island.
Our sincerest condolences go to Roy's family. You can be proud of the highest honour accorded to him on his death and the legacy he left behind. He lived his life as a true Gandhian. May he rest in peace.