Hon Speaker, it is with great sadness that we pay tribute to "Winkie" Isabel Direko, former Member of Parliament and better known for having been elected as the third Premier of the Free State in 1999. Ms Direko passed away at the age of 82, on 17 February, after having devoted her life to serving our country.
She made lasting contributions through her service as a community activist, school principal, president of the Girl Guides, Chancellor of the University of the Free State, and member of the NCOP, to which she was elected in 1994.
Ms Direko will be remembered for her accessibility, politeness, humility and punctuality, and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
We in the ID wish to extend our deepest condolences to our colleagues in the ANC and Ms Direko's surviving family. I thank you. [Applause.]