Speaker, I move the motion in the name of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party as printed on the Order Paper:
That the House -
1) notes with great sadness the death of former African National Congress Member of Parliament, Ms Winkie Direko, on Friday, 17 February 2012;
2) further notes that Ms Direko suffered a fatal stroke at Universitas Netcare Hospital in Bloemfontein at the age of 82;
3) remembers that Ms Direko was a member of the National Council of Provinces from 1994 to 1999 and Premier of the Free State from 15 June 1999 until 26 April 2004;
4) further remembers that Ms Direko was a longstanding member of the African National Congress and a committed educator, participating in various structures and always serving with passion and dedication;
5) believes that Ms Direko epitomised the ANC policy of a caring organisation and thus everybody who had the privilege of working closely with her remembers her as a caring leader, mother and grandmother;
6) further believes that she was very passionate about education and development and had also committed herself to the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable older persons;
7) acknowledges her deep compassion, commitment and courage, which she proved in true selfless service to her people and the country;
8) appreciates her contribution to furthering our democracy, her energy and enthusiasm as a public representative and community worker, her ethic and vibrant leadership; and
9) extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms Direko, friends, colleagues and members of the African National Congress.
[Applause.]
Mr Speaker, often in one's life people cross your path and it is only later, in hindsight, that you realise that you have met someone special, someone who makes an impact on your and others' lives. However, this was different with Ms Direko.
Our paths crossed for the first time in the late 1980s, when I was a new lecturer at Vista University in Bloemfontein, in the department of education, and Ms Direko was a student in my postgraduate education and research methodology classes. I was immediately aware of being in the presence of someone special, a person who exuded dignity, strength, passion, caring and humility. Little did I know that I was lecturing the future Premier of the Free State!
During the two years that she was a student in my class, I got to know Ms Direko as the embodiment of the ideal educator and community worker. At that point she was the headmistress of Sehunelo High School in Batho, which was arguably one of the best high schools in the area, and this was primarily due to the impact Ms Direko had on the school.
I remember well how she would stand at the gate of the school in the mornings when the learners arrived, and woe to those who dared to be late! The learners at the school, however, had the greatest respect for her and knew that she had only their best interests at heart.
The same goes for the community. Her door was always open, and she gave of her time and whatever else she could afford.
Mr Speaker, I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity today to pay tribute to Ms Direko. Forgive me if my tribute seems a bit personal, but as a person I owe her much for the impact she has had on me as an educator.
It was from her as a student that I learnt most about what teaching really means: what it requires to teach in difficult circumstances; how to really care for the learners in your class; what it means to give of yourself; how to carry on in times of great adversity when you are confronted by great personal loss and tragedy; how to keep on smiling and face the world, and continue with your responsibilities, always knowing that there are others who are less fortunate than you.
From her I learnt that a child in your class is like a butterfly in your hand, and that you have to nurture him or her until he or she is ready to fly. However, at the same time you as a teacher have the power to crush that child in your hand. The challenge in teaching is always to find and manage the balance.
It is also a tribute to her, and a comfort, that her contribution to education in South Africa will live on through the Winkie Direko Education Building at the University of the Free State.
I think one of her most outstanding qualities, among many, was her humility. She was never greater than the task or the position. A good example of this was when she became Premier of the Free State. She preferred to live in a modest house in Bayswater, Bloemfontein, rather than in the official residence, Free State House. The only indication at her house that someone important lived there was the guard house that was built at the front entrance, and I'm quite sure she also objected to that. She never considered herself above anything or anyone. Even as a Member of Parliament, when she was in Bloemfontein she would have no qualms about asking for a lift home, or asking where she could get reasonably priced material for dresses. That is the person she was.
Our paths crossed again years later in the 2000 local government elections, when I was standing as a councillor in the ward where she lived. On election day, even though I was absolutely sure she was not going to vote for me, she came over and basically gave me a pep talk and wished me everything of the best. That was the kind of person she was. She never judged you on anything other than the person you were inside.
On Saturday, 18 February this year, I drove past Ms Direko's house and saw quite a number of cars outside. My first thought was that there was some kind of function at the house, and it was only a while later that I heard the sad news that Ms Direko had passed on.
It was one of those moments when you realised that the world as you had known it had changed. One of the certainties, one of the people that you had always just accepted would be there, was gone. At that moment the landscape of Mangaung, the Free State and the country changed forever.
Her legacy and contributions made deep imprints in our lives, and for that we are truly grateful. We are better because of her.
On behalf of the DA, I convey our deepest condolences to Ms Direko's family, her vast circle of friends and the ANC she so proudly served. May she rest in peace! [Applause.]
Mr Speaker, "Mistress Winkie" Maele Isabel Direko was nobody's mother, but a mother to all. Her lifetime commitment to service to all presented her with several opportunities to serve the community she resided in. She was a leader who understood the basic law of science that nature does not allow a vacuum. She was always there to serve when service was required.
She was a teacher who understood that education was not meant to produce quantity, but quality. She was a domestic science teacher at Sehunelo High School in Bloemfontein where, incidentally, I was a student. Despite this position, she behaved and was treated like a school principal, which she later became. I haven't met any student who claimed to have been a victim of corporal punishment from Mistress Winkie, but there are a lot who have been the recipients of her sharp rebuke at one time or another. She knew how to shout at anybody who was out of order.
She was a community worker who belonged to a range of nongovernmental organisations, which included the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders, Nicro, the Girl Guides Association, and the National Council of African Women. She was proud of her membership of these organisations and gave her all to them. She was an inspiration and a mentor to all those who came into contact with her.
She regarded a political office as an extension of her community work. There is a lot of a talk about her work amongst the poor. When she was the Premier of the Free State, she intervened with a number of banks to save people who were going to be liquidated. Some of these businesspeople are now multimillionaires. Therefore it was not nice to be a bank manager during Mistress Winkie's tenure as Premier of the Free State!
She was a premier with empathy. Whilst she treated members of her executive council as colleagues, she always referred to them as her children! That is why she would suggest that we put money together to buy a suit for an MEC because of his Sanco background, and next she would call another one to order by saying, and I quote, "When you die, I will go to your funeral and say, 'Here lies a fool who could not keep quiet.'" [Laughter.] Mistress Winkie was a lot of things to a lot of people. At her funeral more was revealed of what she did during the dark days of apartheid. Although nature does not allow a vacuum, it's going to be difficult to replace her. To the Direko, Matjoa and Motsepe families, I can only say, "Gomotsegang." Ke a leboga. ["Condolences to you." Thank you.] [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, I stand here before you today with a heavy heart, as we all mourn the sad passing of our dear and beloved colleague, Sisi Winkie Direko.
Sisi Winkie was a woman, not only of vision and leadership, but also of firm belief and unwavering dedication to the people of South Africa, whom she so loved and served with all her heart.
Today, we not only mourn, but also celebrate her life achievements and dedication to all who knew her. She touched many hearts in the community and remained devoted to the upliftment of the poor and most vulnerable. She was an educator, a carer and a fighter for what she believed was right.
She served selflessly during the days of apartheid and continued to do so during her years in government and even after she had retired. She led by example and was living proof of the fact that women are strong leaders. She not only listened to the plight of our people, but also dedicated her life to the betterment of their circumstances and future.
The poet Ellen Brenneman said it best when she wrote, and I quote:
... life holds so many facets the earth is only one.
"Kgotso, pula, nala." [Peace, rain and success.] May the warm welcome you always extended to us echo in heaven for eternity. Sisi Winkie, South Africa salutes you.
She always used to look very smart. She never wore a dress, as she was always in suits. One day, as I faced her, I said to her that she always looked smart and wore suits every day, and I wanted to know why. She responded by saying that somebody made them for her. Her breast was always ... [Laughter.] That was Sisi Winkie. Those are the things that brought me nearer to her. I thank you. [Laughter.]
Hon Speaker, it is with great sadness that we pay tribute to "Winkie" Isabel Direko, former Member of Parliament and better known for having been elected as the third Premier of the Free State in 1999. Ms Direko passed away at the age of 82, on 17 February, after having devoted her life to serving our country.
She made lasting contributions through her service as a community activist, school principal, president of the Girl Guides, Chancellor of the University of the Free State, and member of the NCOP, to which she was elected in 1994.
Ms Direko will be remembered for her accessibility, politeness, humility and punctuality, and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
We in the ID wish to extend our deepest condolences to our colleagues in the ANC and Ms Direko's surviving family. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mathloko ho baha Direko. [I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the Direko family.]
We are gathered here once more to bid farewell to one of our outstanding South Africans whom death has taken away from us. It feels like we are meeting far too often for this purpose, and this fills me with sadness. It is a harsh reminder that our time on earth is short and that we have a duty to achieve as much as we can in our daily work in this institution, because we never know when fate might bring an end to our contributions.
The late honourable Mme "Winkie" Isabel Direko, who passed away on 17 February 2012, as indicated by previous speakers, devoted her life to serving the peoples of South Africa. As a permanent delegate to the NCOP from 1996 to 1999, Mme Direko made a monumental contribution to ensuring that the ideals that determined the struggle for liberation were translated into meaningful poverty alleviation programmes.
We extend our sincerest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues, and the ANC family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of bereavement. Perhaps you will be somewhat comforted by the fact that she reached the highest pinnacles of legislative service in her country, and that her name will forever be recorded among the names of those democrats who have served the nation with distinction.
It is further really encouraging to learn that Mme Direko obtained a Master's Degree in Education at the age of 71! [Applause.] This is really encouraging and it's a very good example to all of us that we should keep on learning. We can't say we are too old. We must go to the libraries, read and read, and get Master's Degrees while we are still here! I thank you. [Applause.]
The ACDP offers condolences to the Direko family, the people in her community and the ANC on the loss of their long-time mother figure, friend and comrade. My colleagues and I know Mama Direko as a colleague in the work of Parliament and we recognise her significant contribution to the history of South Africa, where she leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service and hard work.
It is delightful to read of her whole life having been one of cheerful giving. The community where she was born and lived remember her with much affection. They speak gratefully of Mama Direko's fishing them out of difficult situations. One woman remembers Mama Direko's picking up the costs of the funeral of her mother, when her family was unable to pay. Another tells of Mama Direko's days as a tuck shop owner in the late 1980s, when poor people used to ask her for food and other necessities, and she often obliged. She also helped young people and assisted them with money to travel to school.
Mama Direko had a great sense of humour and, at the same time, showed a fine intellect as a teacher, principal and motivator.
We join countless others who celebrate Mama Direko's life, and honour her as the selfless woman of prayer and service that she was. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, the PAC is deeply saddened by the untimely death of Mme Winkie Direko. Mme Direko was a teacher both by profession and by calling. She taught us how to run a province without being implicated in corrupt practices. What a great lesson in this era of "steal and stash before you are caught"! I will also always remember her grandmotherly voice on the radio cautioning the youngsters to abstain so that they could live longer and escape the scourge of HIV/Aids.
Mme Direko was not just an ordinary politician; she was a stateswoman. Politicians do things when they have positions, whereas stateswomen like Mme Direko, just like statesmen, do things with or without positions.
Go wele mogale mo tlhabanong, segatlhamelamasisi, phorogotlho ya motho le moetapele wa boammaruri. Mme Direko o kwadile leina la gagwe ka ditlhaka tsa molelo mo lekokong la ANC le mo nageng ya rona ka bophara. Tsamaya ka kagiso, tshetlhana ya morolong, mmina tholo wa ntwa ya mathibela, o moroka. Ya gago tiro, o e dirile mmaetsho, ka matlho re a bona. Pula. [Praises.]
Mr Speaker, life and death are a very important cycle in a human being's life. When a person passes on it is indeed a very sad moment and one of the greatest sorrows, which no one wants to experience. On behalf of the MF, I convey heartfelt condolences to the Direko family and friends. We pray that God Almighty will bestow strength, courage and fortitude on them during this time of bereavement, as they mourn their irreplaceable loss.
Mr Speaker, a mother is always seen and characterised as a selfless individual who does not seek happiness only for herself, but rather for her family, the community she lives in and society in general. This is precisely what the astounding Mama Direko was.
I am reminded by the prophetic words of Mahatma Gandhi that if you have to wage a war against poverty, you first have to begin with the women and children of the land. As a dedicated educator, Mama Direko made an incredible contribution to advancing the education sector, so that it achieved greater success. She always believed that deeds are judged by intentions and was very passionate about ensuring social improvements for the poor, particularly elderly women and children.
She made boundless contributions to South African politics and commanded immense respect as a leader. A true citizen of humanity, she will always be sadly missed by all, including the ANC, and our condolences go to them in their loss of a remarkable, impeccable comrade.
I have no doubt that the ANC will continue to ensure that her hopes are turned into reality, and her desires into overwhelming success, as they strive to march forward with conviction and determination to ensure her legacy continues to see a fruitful democracy and the creation of a caring society for all, with all working together to achieve more, so that there can in practice be a better life for all.
With her warm and caring heart, she will undoubtedly be sorely missed. As we all continue to pray in the abundance of prayer, may her soul rest in peace. I thank you.
Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to speak. We thank Parliament for offering us an opportunity to say a word or two in tribute to the late Maele Isabel Direko, popularly known as Mistress Winkie, a former member of this House, and my mother. I thank the movement, the ANC, for asking me to speak on its behalf on this huge personality from its pipeline of leadership of great depth.
It is a privilege because it so happens that she was a close friend of, and fellow teacher with, both my late parents. She also invited me to serve on her executive council as the MEC for Local Government and Housing, when the ANC asked her to lead the province.
The turnout at her funeral was a testimony to the many ways in which she was very popular, not only in the Free State, but throughout most parts of our country.
She was outspoken, she was decisive, and she was firm when she was convinced of her case. The campaign on HIV/Aids in the Free State, which she led from the front, will be remembered for a long time by many listeners to radio stations, such as the ones Ntate Mphahlele referred to, because of the manner in which it resonated with teenagers and parents alike. Because of its straightforward language - no mincing of words! - they knew what she was talking about. She did not try to put it diplomatically; she was absolutely clear about what she thought they should do.
At the funeral of someone she loved, she told mourners that it was a pity that God had not consulted her. She would have advised Him that there were many sitting there who really deserved to go, and not this good person lying in front of them there! [Laughter.] She spoke frankly, often in flowery township language that made her a real favourite speaker at all kinds of events, serious and light-hearted. She had an absolutely mischievous sense of humour, as I said earlier on.
The daughter of a labourer and a domestic worker, she was passionate about education, as other members have pointed out here, and it was a personal matter for her, because of her background, her parents, and also the community in which she lived. She studied and graduated in her old age with a Master's degree in education, and ended up being the Chancellor of the University of the Free State. She was very proud to have served in the Portfolio Committees on Basic Education and on Social Development here in Parliament, because to her these were a personal continuation of what she had done throughout her life, which she would have liked to see all of us doing.
She was also passionate about helping the poor and destitute. She often used her own family groceries to help feed some hungry family, who would have communicated with her indirectly through one person or another. She was a prominent member of the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders, Nicro, and fought battles against crime. She also worked tirelessly to give witness in mitigation for offenders so that they were treated humanely, even if they were convicted. She continually worked to roll back the brutality of the apartheid system.
It was because of these things that the ANC chose her as its representative on the Judicial Service Commission, in order to give her experience to that sector.
She was connected to a large network and very well informed. She once dramatically discovered the whereabouts of the late Moses Kotane and also of Thomas Nkobi, who on different occasions found themselves arrested and taken to a police station in Bloemfontein. Moses Kotane, the late Treasurer General of the ANC and the Secretary General of the SACP, requested her to bring him the South African law book, which he used to prepare his case and he successfully defended himself as a result. Thomas Nkobi, on the other hand, asked her to find him a train ticket which he would use to build his alibi to explain his presence in Bloemfontein without the permit required by the influx control laws of that time. Mistress Winkie bought him half a loaf of bread and cool drink. On his eating the bread, Thomas Nkobi found his train ticket in it. He, too, won his case, assisted in this way by Mistress Winkie. She was very streetwise.
Many families will always remember her fondly for her having helped them bury their loved ones with dignity. She mobilised all sorts of help on hearing of someone who didn't know where to get help. She was indeed an exemplary public representative, who inspired many of us by showing us what it means to be caring.
Speaking on her 80th birthday, Ntate Molemela, the founder of Bloemfontein Celtic FC, we are told, commented nostalgically on the fact that when they were growing up, Mistress Winkie was a head turner for young men of his age. He also pointed out that she walked into areas where even men were afraid to tread, and did things that they were afraid to do. Her courage and fearlessness, for which she had a reputation, led her in a big way.
It was, I believe, this humaneness in her that allowed people to take her very public criticisms and guidance with a smile, things at which they would have taken offence if they had come from other people. When she chided people, either in private or in public, she did it with passion, if she believed that they were absolutely wrong. That was the reason that many people, although angry sometimes, took it with a smile. They knew that this person was saying it from her heart. And when the need arose, she was extremely good to them. She was very motherly and helpful in many ways, not only to her own, but to others as well.
She never glorified the working class, because she was of them, she belonged among them, and this is why she was trusted the way she was. She died at the age of 82, wanting to be remembered as a community activist rather than as a politician, as she used to say, but she was interred to rest at the Heroes Acre in Phahameng in Bloemfontein, amongst revolutionaries and activists, many of whom she taught and worked with.
We as the ANC convey our condolences to the family and the community of Mangaung on their loss of a formidable leader who lived long and was building a humane society - a task we must continue to carry out with determination.
We must also thank the Speaker for representing us well, as members of the House, at Mistress Winkie's home and during her funeral. His message was warmly received, because people understood that the work that Mistress Winkie did as an MP was done on their behalf as well.
We appreciate the legacy she has left behind - it is a tough assignment to carry on with. We hope that many people in Mangaung will not forget the good she did for others, and that we can continue to build this as a monument to her, helping others who still need the kind of help she made available in that community. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
I take it that there are no objections to the resolution being adopted. Will members please rise to observe a moment of silence in memory of the late Ms Winkie Direko?
Motion agreed to, members standing.
Please be seated. The condolences of the House will be conveyed to the Direko family and to the ANC.