Hon Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes with deep sadness the death of tenor Siphiwo Ntshebe, at the age of 34, from bacterial meningitis when he was due to perform his signature song Hope at the opening ceremony of the Soccer World Cup;
2) further notes that Siphiwo's talent was also recognised by former President Nelson Mandela, who viewed Siphiwo "... as a young South African with so much talent, who has, despite challenges of the past, chosen to work hard for a better future and has made us all proud with his performance...";
3) recognises that Siphiwo had a truly wondrous voice and his music was unique in its melodies and he was, as a result, awarded scholarships to further his career in music at the University of Cape Town, followed by another offer from Brisbane, Australia, and that, in 2004, he was also offered a postgraduate scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London, which he completed in 2007;
4) hopes that Siphiwo's song Hope, which was recorded with former President Nelson Mandela's message on it, will be played at the opening ceremony as planned in respect and tribute to Siphiwo; and
5) conveys its condolences to the Ntshebe family, friends and the music fraternity and says: May Siphiwo's soul rest in peace and his spirit of hope centre us all during the World Cup and beyond and may his life and achievements be an inspiration to our youth.
Agreed to.