Xhamela, hon Speaker, hon Deputy Speaker, hon Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, hon Ministers, hon MECs, hon members, all comrades, today we have come to celebrate the life not only of the most famous icon of our time but, more importantly, of a man, a husband, a father and a grandfather too, whom we love and cherish very deeply. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to have known Madiba and to be able to call him a friend of many decades.
Madiba will always be remembered for the way he gave expression to reconciliation in the truest meaning of the word, as has been said so eloquently by other members. He concluded that ultimate liberation can only be accompanied by liberating the oppressed as well as the oppressor.
So, is this not a man who now on his 91st birthday remains a man of our time? Yes. And in a 100 years' time, too. I have no doubt that Madiba was the right man to lead a stricken country like ours. His words and actions transformed the consciousness of a nation. Recalling the lyrical heights of Roosevelt's famous cry, he taught us that "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Don't we all, including America's first African-American president, Barack Obama, walk in the light of Madiba's creed of nonracialism?
We pay tribute to Andrew Mlangeni and all the others who shared his incarceration with him. [Applause.] At the end of the day a tribute to this icon is a tribute to all of us whom he inspired to play one role or another in the liberation struggle of our people.
Many in this House will have their favourite memories of Madiba, but we have a beautiful lady - a very beautiful lady - in our midst, Mrs Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela ... [Applause.] ... who knows Madiba better than any one of us. Today we honour the mother of the nation as well. Her sacrifices were no fewer than those of her beloved Madiba, which he made for all of us. [Applause.]
When Mrs Mandela and I bumped into each other by chance at the airport yesterday, we recalled that there was much laughter in Madiba's home, which I had the privilege of visiting many times before his incarceration. You will remember that on the last occasion I came to this podium, hon members, I recalled the delicious meals that she prepared on those visits. [Applause.] I have news for you: This wonderful lady can cook. [Laughter.] I do believe the laughter still continues, and I know the lady will bring some of this to this House as well.
We are also fortunate to have Inkosi Mandla Mandela, Madiba's grandson, in the House, who is the heir to his grandfather's legacy. We wish him well in this great task. Aah Zwelivelile!!! [Applause.]
Each precious memory and story here today will contain a unifying theme. Madiba has always treated every one of us with equal respect and does not distinguish between the so-called "ordinary" and the "great" in his dealings.