Mr Speaker, hon members, and the family of the late Comrade Joe Matthews, yet another stalwart of our struggle for freedom has left us.
The passing away of uncle Joe Matthews adds to the procession of veterans of our long and arduous liberation struggle who are leaving us one after the other.
In his 81 years on earth, uncle Joe devoted his energies and talents to serving our country. He did it with dedication and distinction. He was an accomplished intellectual who employed his vast knowledge, capacity and insight to contribute towards the building and advancement of a better country for all of us.
He was a walking encyclopaedia of knowledge in law, political theory, history and other areas, and yet humble and completely approachable. Uncle Joe shared his vast wealth of knowledge with ease and pleasure. We will remember his service to the country as Deputy Minister of Safety and Security, a task he fulfilled with dignity and dedication.
We in Azapo salute this great son of our soil and express our condolences to his family, to his political organisation, the IFP, and to his friend, Shenge. Thank you.