Hon Speaker, on behalf of Cope, I'm honoured to pay tribute to the late Dr Mantombazana Tshabalala-Msimang. She was a passionate and dedicated professional who executed her duties with determination. Together with other ANC doctors such as the late Dr Mvelang, she had the responsibility to take care of the health of ANC cadres in exile.
Based in Tanzania most of the time, her responsibility included looking after MK cadres, students of the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College and the ANC community at large. This meant travelling long distances to reach the camps, sometimes at night.
Her contribution extended to the Tanzanian communities since she also worked at the Muhimbili Hospital in Dar-es-Salaam. It was during her stay in exile that Comrade Manto came into contact with international work in health, as she participated on behalf of the ANC in numerous activities organised by international health bodies.
On her return to South Africa, she and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, working with NGOs, were instrumental in piloting what has now unfolded as the government's HIV/Aids programme.
As the first chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health in the democratic Parliament of South Africa, she had the difficult task of building and encouraging teamwork among MPs with different backgrounds - we from the liberation movement and a somewhat doubting opposition. However, because of her efficient, balanced and professional approach in handling the work of the committee, she gained the confidence of all its members.
She ensured that transformative legislation emanating from the department, at the time led by Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, was indeed passed by Parliament. Later, as Minister of Health, she ensured the implementation of the very same legislation.
As the Deputy Minister of Justice, she proved her qualities as a gender activist as she initiated progressive laws to protect women and children. Dr Manto was truly loved and respected by people far and wide, locally and internationally. Against what sometimes seemed to be extreme adversity, she stood her ground with courage and showed her commitment to implementing her assigned tasks.
The outpouring of love and support for the Msimang family following her demise came from a diverse range of constituencies, professional bodies, political parties, international organisations, business circles, friends and family. This demonstrated the profound impact that she had as a professional, a politician, a wife, a mother and grandmother, a comrade, an aunt to the younger generation and a sister in her own generation.
Cope extends its condolences to her organisation, the ANC; her husband, Comrade Mendi Msimang; her daughters, Zuki and Pulane; and the entire family.
Sithi lalani ngenxeba bantu bakwaTshabalala nabakwaMsimang; akuhlanga lungehlanga. [We say to the Tshabalala and Msimang families, may you find solace during this difficult time; time heals all wounds.] Thank you. [Applause.]