Madam Deputy Speaker, Cope received with sadness the news of the untimely death of Mr Sicelo Shiceka, who served as a former Minister for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Mr Shiceka and his younger sister Mandisa were simultaneously sworn in as members of the Gauteng legislature in 1994, where I and some of our colleagues in the House here today served for a number of years, until the untimely death - and very early death - of his little sister, who was only 24 in December 1994 when she was killed in a fatal motor vehicle accident.
Mr Shiceka and his sister were regarded as strong and youthful activists. Everyone expected them to make their mark in the new democratic dispensation. When the then newly elected Premier of Gauteng, Mr Tokyo Sexwale, announced his first executive council in May 1994, Mr Shiceka, at the young age of 27, entered the executive scene in South African politics as a young and energetic new member of the executive council.
During our time in the Gauteng legislature, he led several departments. However, it was mainly in the then committee on local government and development planning where I interacted mostly with him. As we all know, Mr Shiceka was a strong-willed - some would say, rather obstinate - person who seldom, if ever, deviated from what he considered right.
However, he was prepared to listen to sound arguments and could be persuaded to change his mind if he was convinced that the new idea could improve service delivery and service to communities. Whatever he lacked in experience was made up for with unstoppable enthusiasm, energy and dedication.
Enjoying apparent solid support from his party at the time, he went from strength to strength. As far as I can recall, he only suffered one major setback when he lashed out at public representatives and government and municipal officials who failed to pay for consumed municipal services. His call then, that they should sign debit orders to enforce compliance, crashed before it could take off.
His deployment to Parliament and his ascent to Cabinet are well documented. While arguably at times controversial, there was seldom a dull moment when the hon Shiceka was involved. Regrettably, ill-health took its toll and, obviously, also impacted on his overall enthusiasm and performance. He lived life to the full, and we will remember him for his enthusiasm and friendly smile, behind which lurked a strong-willed and determined personality.
Cope greets him and we express our sincere condolences to his family and close relations. Our condolences also go to the governing party, where Mr Shiceka was a member of the national executive committee. May his soul rest in peace.
Hamba kahle, Sicelo. [May you rest in peace, Sicelo.]
Thank you. [Applause.]