Deputy Speaker, the ACDP conveys our sympathy to the family and friends of the late hon Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
Dr Tshabalala-Msimang's absolute devotion and loyalty to serving her country and her President was always very evident. Close friends describe her as a person who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of South Africans and as a person particularly dedicated to the needs of women, children and the poor.
I came to Parliament in 1999 and became a member of the Health portfolio committee not long after she became Minister of Health. As Minister of Health during President Mbeki's administration, Dr Tshabalala-Msimang was in an unenviable position and her decision to embrace the President's views regarding HIV and Aids meant she became directly responsible for the devastating results of such a view. While Dr Tshabalala-Msimang often seemed dismissive of concerns, she bravely faced unrelenting personal attacks.
Much of what Dr Tshabalala-Msimang achieved is, therefore, overshadowed by the great sadness surrounding this very trying period emanating from her absolute devotion to what became her cause. On occasion Dr Msimang had referred to her involvement with her church and the ACDP hopes she found peace in her turmoil and that she has gone to be with her Maker. Thank you.