Hon members, I believe it is the hon member's maiden speech. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers present here today, hon members, the Coetzee family, guests and citizens, I, like many others, was shocked and saddened when I heard of Mike's passing, despite having known that he had been suffering from cancer for a long time.
Siyaye sithi ngesiZulu ukufa akujwayeleki. [In isiZulu we say: We never get used to death.]
Hardly any family in the world is spared from death, yet every time it occurs we are left with pain and hurt. I have known Mike as an activist of long standing for many years, and he was in my eyes, especially in later years, an exceptional cadre located in the administration and management of Parliament pursuing the same struggle, a better quality of life for all South Africans in general, the working class as well as the poor in particular. To the family we say ...
... akwehlanga lungehli. Izinyembezi zenu zingezethu nathi. Njengoba kuye kwenziwe sithi, asibhonge emswaneni. [... this road has been travelled by many before. We feel your pain. And as is the norm, we also want to pay our last respects.]
Please find solace in the fact that his life was lived to the full, and he fought the scourge of cancer with all the courage he could muster, and did so with dignity to the end.
So much has been said about this son of the soil, about his engagement and participation in the struggle for national liberation. So much has been said about his exposure to the black consciousness organisations in his youth and his involvement in setting up an SA Student Movement branch, and about what is described in his obituary as a crucial influence in shaping his progressive consciousness, namely the death in detention of Steve Bantu Biko in 1977.
He made his mark with his participation - as a BSc student at the University of the Western Cape, known to many in those days as "Bush" - in the political recruitment of students; clandestine discussions and learning groups; the spread of the message of the Freedom Charter as espoused by the ANC; and the never-ending debates on Marxism-Leninism and the understanding of the theory of the revolution and organisation.
His graduation progressed, organically, from student politics or student activities into more mature political action such as the consumer boycotts as experienced in the red meat industry, the Fatti's and Moni's boycott and later his participation in the Hanover Park Civic Association that became part of the Cape Areas Housing Action Committee, popularly known as Cahac.
So much has been said about his recruitment into the ANC underground in 1981. His was a critical, unassuming approach and conduct in a process that led to the formation of the United Democratic Front - working closely with comrades such as Henry Fazi, Derrick Schwartz, Arnold Stofile, Gugile Nkwinti, Stone Sizani, Matthew Goniwe and many others following the historic call by the then President of the ANC, Oliver Reginald Tambo.
We all know of that fateful day of 27 June, when Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli and Sparrow Mkhonto were assassinated by the security police and their bodies mutilated and burnt beyond recognition. The subsequent display at their funeral in Cradock of the flags of the Communist Party and the ANC, which were unfurled in an unparalleled display of defiance, led to the declaration of the State of Emergency in 1985, renewed in 1986, 1987 and 1988.
At that time thousands of people were detained and many were severely tortured. Mike was one of them. As we heard at the memorial service and at the funeral, he was hung over the Van Stadens Bridge, in his words, "to instil the fear of God so that you would reveal what they wanted".
Mike was, as we know, also part of the Chemical Workers Industrial Union, CWIU, an affiliate of the Federation of SA Trade Unions, Fosatu, and helped to nudge this federation towards the formation of the Congress of SA Trade Unions, Cosatu.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that all along Mike had distinguished himself as a selfless cadre who acted in the interests of his country and people, a man whose integrity remained intact to the end. There is so much to learn from his example of leadership that can be emulated. At the memorial service, the local chairperson of Nehawu spoke of the empathy that Mike had with workers' issues and his ability to engage issues and seek a win-win solution.
Being part of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and SA national Parliament speaks volumes about Mike's ability to be relevant and play a meaningful role in different periods of the struggle for national liberation. This he did without losing sight of the context.
This National Assembly is elected to represent the people and to ensure a government by the people under our Constitution. It does this by choosing the President, providing a national forum or platform for public consideration of issues by passing legislation, scrutinising and overseeing executive action. This legislature broadly ensures the making of laws, public involvement and participation as well as accountability.
We can only truly guarantee the legacy of Michael Benjamin Coetzee by doing all the things he lived and died for. Let us continue to improve the quality of life of all our citizens and ensure that the potential of each person is achieved. Let us build a united and democratic South Africa, a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it.
So, we salute Mike, the militant young man, community activist, social and political agitator, committed administrator and radical humanist.
Sithi yebo ziyofa izinsizwa nezintombi e-Afrika, kepha ziyosala izibongo! [We know that men and women will die in Africa, but their legacy will remain with us!]
Thank you very much. [Applause.]
House Chairperson, it is with much sadness and a very heavy heart that I stand here today on behalf of the DA to pay tribute to Mr Michael Benjamin Coetzee, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. When I learnt of his passing, I contacted a senior official to confirm it, and she replied that it was a sad day for the administration of Parliament. I echo that statement and would like to add that we, as parliamentarians, are also poorer for this loss.
Each of us who knew, worked, and socialised with Mr Coetzee had our own individual relationship with him. When I met him some 15 years ago, I was intrigued by his self-confidence and self-assuredness and wondered about the source of it. As I came to know him, I discovered that the confidence came from his vast and comprehensive knowledge. He was a highly efficient person who understood his job and what was required of him. His experience in different work sectors and his impressive struggle credentials equipped him well for the task at hand. His work ethic was impeccable, and he was a disciplinarian of note. He did not let the controversy of his predecessor deter him and, in a short space of time, he restored full confidence to the Office of the Secretary to Parliament in a quiet and dignified manner.
What particularly endeared me to him were his unfailing courtesy, humility, and fairness. Michael handled his diagnosis of cancer in the same way as he did his work. He was both pragmatic and realistic as the disease progressed, and he explored all the treatment options available to him. Although the disease ravaged his body, causing him huge pain and discomfort, he remained resolute, upbeat and cheerful. I could see his laboured breathing and slow footsteps as he led the procession into the Chamber on 21 May, when we were being sworn in. In my heart, I knew it was just a matter of time before he succumbed to his illness. You know, the body and the mind are incredibly intricate machines, and it was sheer willpower and dedication to his job that got him through that day.
Every single one of us seated here today knows of someone or has lost someone dear to cancer. This disease calls on your inner strength in huge doses. It not only ravages the body, but it also takes its toll on the family. It is not easy to see your loved ones suffering the after-effects of chemotherapy or their going bald or losing their appetite and their strength. He spoke often about his family's support, and to Bridgette, his wife, I want to say, he was so proud of your achievements and the fact that he gave you the space to soar. I believe that he was truly the wind beneath your wings. To Matthew, his son, he spoke so proudly of you as well, and I do not think that you could have asked for a more loving and dedicated dad.
Chairperson, I am proud to say that Mr Coetzee enriched my life, and it is truly a pleasure to have counted him not only as a work colleague, but as a friend too.
Dear Michael, your work here is done, my friend. You wore your illness like a badge of honour. I know that your spirit will guide and look over us. Knowing you, you are probably mobilising and signing up all the angels in heaven for some cause or the other. May your soul rest in peace. Om Shanthi, shanthi, shanthi. [Applause.]
Hon Chair of Chairs, the EFF extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues and associates of the late Mr Michael Coetzee, a combatant and a fighter to the end.
Lalani ngelinceba baka-Coetzee, madvudvu nine bekunene. [Coetzee family, kindly receive our heartfelt condolences, be comforted.]
While going through his obituary at the memorial service that we attended last week, it is clear that a spear had fallen. Many spears have fallen ever since the time of land dispossession and wars of resistance, and some of those spears were not worth picking up. However, this is one spear that must be picked up, just like the spears of our struggle heroes and fighters, Ngungunyane, Hintsa, Dingane, Sekhukhune and many other great martyrs of our heroic struggle.
In the short space of time that we have been present in Parliament, we came to conclude that Mr Michael Coetzee's conduct was the epitome of a nonpartisan public servant. Despite his roots in the life and culture of the party that the EFF contested robustly, he conducted himself impartially, and was not hostile or biased towards the glorious movement of the left. Of particular mention is his readiness to go the extra mile, assisting the EFF's advance team long before other parties landed in Parliament for the swearing-in ceremony.
He directed his officials to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the EFF was well-orientated prior to the actual on-board training of new members. The EFF is proud of his legacy and looks forward to a continuation of the same by his team consisting of Mr Xaso, Adv Phindela, Mr Mahlangu, Mr Nkuna and Ms Linda Harper. He instructed and directed her to leave no stone unturned in assisting the EFF.
Once upon a time there lived a man called Methuselah. He was born and lived for 969 years. He died, and that is all that can be said of him. However, in Commissar Michael Coetzee, a commissar of the glorious underground structures, trained in Lesotho, no words, pages and times are enough to fully write his story. We dip our banner in salute of a fallen hero.
From Walt Whitman, I read:
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
We thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Chairperson and hon colleagues, on behalf of the IFP, I pay tribute to a remarkable man who served our nation with distinction. Having listened to the words spoken at last week's memorial service, there is no doubt that the late Secretary to Parliament played a significant role in establishing and strengthening democracy.
During the memorial service, I had the privilege of expressing the IFP's admiration for Mr Coetzee. I noted that his passing was somehow unexpected, for even though he had been waging a long fight against cancer, he would always be available, always be in the office and always be hard at work. So, we often forgot that his health was not what it should be.
Cancer didn't slow him down, but neither did it make him self-focused or less patient with those around him. We in the IFP experienced his cordial efficiency time and again. And we admired the way he performed his duties with such dignity and fairness.
Having already expressed our admiration and our deepest condolences, I would like to honour Mr Michael Coetzee today by challenging us to fight for individuals like him, those who are fighting for their lives against a formidable, but beatable disease.
Millions of South Africans are living with cancer, and many are dying, not because of cancer, but because of its treatment. This is close to my heart for I lost both my parents to cancer, while my wife and mother-in-law are in remission. I know that many in this House can relate to this, for you would have friends or relatives that have also gone through this dreaded disease.
Cancer is set to claim more lives than HIV and Aids. It is fast becoming the pandemic of this generation, yet the medical profession has found no cure and is treating cancer with a standard protocol that has proven ineffective, generally debilitating and often fatal. Our laws will not allow them to look elsewhere, or try something new, even in the face of promising results. Thus the IFP, through the hon Dr Mario Oriani-Ambrosini, is challenging this House to change the legislation. We are challenging government to adopt and consider the Medical Innovation Bill and pilot it to implementation.
The Bill enables doctors to offer alternative treatments to people like Mr Coetzee, who could not be cured by conventional treatment, but may have been helped to live longer and more comfortably if the law had allowed it. This Bill is not just about decriminalising and liberalising cannabis for medical and industrial use; it's also about allowing the Minister of Health to authorise, establish and resource pilot, innovative cancer treatment centres where doctors are allowed to administer innovative, unproven but harmless cancer treatments wherever other treatments cannot provide a cure, and on the basis of the patient's informed consent.
This is about making South Africa a global leader in cancer research and treatment, and it's about supporting the National Health Insurance initiative. One was heartened to hear the deputy secretary-general of the ANC, Ms Jessie Duarte, saying at the memorial service last week that our government should indeed invest more in cancer research.
As legislators, let us commit to fighting cancer and to enabling those who can to find a cure. Let us do this in honour of Mr Michael Coetzee and millions of others. Let us not allow his passing, and that of many others, to have been in vain. It is said, when one closes one's eyes, it should open the eyes of others. Let us commit to being those eyes. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Chairperson, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers present today, hon Members of Parliament, members of the gallery and of the media, I stand here before you today on behalf of the NFP to pay tribute to the late Secretary to Parliament, Michael Benjamin Coetzee.
Some of us may remember the late Michael Coetzee as the Secretary to Parliament and others may remember him for different portfolios he held whilst employed by Parliament. There is so much to the name Michael Coetzee - an academic, a unionist who represented South Africa at different levels of engagement with different representatives from different countries.
We are seated here today as a result of sacrifices made by many South Africans to liberate us from the inhuman prejudice of the past. One such South African was none other than the late Michael Benjamin Coetzee. His commitment to the struggle for a free South Africa, in which all South Africans can live side by side in one united South Africa and be treated with dignity and respect, is evident in his refusal to testify against our late struggle icon Oliver Tambo. His detention was testimony to his fight for a free South Africa.
Although he was detained and subpoenaed to appear in court in 1983, he refused to testify, as a result of which he was identified as a hostile witness. He committed himself until the final days of his life. Such was the character of our late Michael Benjamin Coetzee.
On behalf of the NFP, our leader, the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, V Z Msibi, and the national executive committee of the NFP, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the late Secretary to Parliament, Michael Benjamin Coetzee. May Almighty God grant you the strength and courage to overcome this great loss.
To our late Secretary, Michael Coetzee, rest in peace, our comrade, colleague, our struggle icon and hero. May you be blessed with the highest abode in heaven! I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, Ministers and Deputy Ministers here present, this is a message from the UDM.
It is indeed an honour for us as a party to be accorded this opportunity to pay tribute to a stalwart as great and grand as Michael, the former Secretary to Parliament. When death strikes, families freeze. This Parliament was no different from his personal family, because we are part of that family of his.
We highly appreciate the opportunity, particularly regarding the fact that we are here talking about a man of such stature by his deeds. Shakespeare writes thus about such circumstances in life:
There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune ...
Another South African leader, who may not be popular nowadays, said, "there are consequences which are too ghastly to contemplate".
Parliament took the tide, which was in the form of Michael, and that is why we are here today. Wise parliamentarians of the early 2000s identified that tide in Mr Coetzee, and they took it at its flood. As South Africans, we are benefiting from his great mind. So is the world. Michael was that axis. He was that backbone. He was indeed that light. During his time, I am told, trains ran on time.
In his epitaph, if we were to be given the opportunity, as parliamentarians, we would steal a line or two from Thomas Gray, and scribble:
Full many a gem of purest ray serene
The dark, unfathom'd caves of ocean bear ...
That is what should go in his epitaph.
The period from 2002 to 2012 was particularly painful, whilst, at the same time, being a period of growth on the part of this Parliament that we are. It was painful in the sense that that was when he started to become ill, and slowly his membranes could not take it any more.
This brings us to the vital point that a normal human being is composed of four elements. Three of those are the body, the brain and the spirit. While his body succumbed, albeit slowly, his brain kept on generating great ideas, and now, his spirit will linger on for years to come.
What a unique birth when he was born! What a priceless contribution during his life! What a life he led. What a Parliament he helped to develop. Alas, what a loss to the nation!
To the family, we say, as Robert H Schuller did: "Tough times never last. Tough people do. Be tough."
Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Chairperson, we have heard from colleagues from different parties today about the life of Mr Coetzee. Now, normally, we have motions of condolence for Members of Parliament and we remember some of our colleagues. It is different today, however, because it is one of our senior officials. It is the Secretary to Parliament, and I don't think that this has happened since we arrived in 1994.
All our colleagues have basically paid tribute to the life of Mr Coetzee. In the end, regardless of his struggles and where he came from, he acted as the Secretary to Parliament. He fulfilled that role as Secretary to Parliament in such a dignified way, in which he treated all members equally, obviously, and he did his job in such a sterling way that everybody was quite happy and rather excited to have Mr Coetzee become Secretary to Parliament under very difficult circumstances a couple of years ago.
Ek wil van die VF-Plus se kant af aan die mense wat eintlik vandag vir my saak maak 'n paar woorde rig - en dit is die familie van mnr Coetzee. As ons vandag hier klaar gepraat het, dan gaan ons aan met ons werksaamhede en ons gaan aan met ons program, maar dit is sy familie en sy nagelatenes wat huis toe gaan en mnr Coetzee is nog steeds nie daar nie.
Ek wil aan hulle s ons dink aan hulle in 'n moeilike tyd. Dit is nie maklik nie. Daar gaan moeilike dae wees, maar u kan gerus huis toe gaan en weet dat u geliefde sy deel gedoen het. Hy het sy werk verrig met waardigheid en met eer. Hy het opgetree met respek in hierdie Parlement en almal eer hom vir daardie gedagtenis. Baie sterkte vir u in die moeilike tye wat voor mag l, maar weet dat ons ook van die Parlement se kant af, as lede, sal dink aan u en ook steeds hulde sal bring aan die nagedagtenis van mnr Coetzee. Baie dankie. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[On behalf of the FF Plus, I want to say a few words to the people who really matter to me today - and that is the family of Mr Coetzee. Once we have finished talking here today, we will continue with our functions and programme, but it is his family and those he leaves behind who will be going home to find that Mr Coetzee will still not be there.
I want to say to them that we are thinking of them during this difficult time. It is not easy. There are going to be tough days, but you can go home knowing that your loved one had done his part. He performed his job with dignity and honour. He always acted in a courteous manner in this Parliament, and we all respect him for that memory. We wish you strength in this difficult time that lies ahead, but know that from Parliament's side, we as members will think of you and continue to pay tribute to the memory of Mr Coetzee. Thank you very much. [Applause.]]
Chairperson, Comrade Mike Coetzee left this world as he lived his life - he left quietly, and he had served quietly. He never sought the limelight, but he was always there where work had to be done to advance the cause of democratising South Africa.
I recall him well from the launch of the United Democratic Front back in August 1983. In our campaign he worked to build the United Democratic Front in the Eastern Cape. We were recruiting communities, civics, business formations, and church formations. He was very helpful, guiding us in areas that we did not know, ensuring that he identified people who would be critical to making this task a success.
Michael was an accomplished public servant in that sense, even at that time, because to identify people in society, however different the roles they play, who can nevertheless be brought together to form a current that will change things for the better, is not an easy thing to achieve. Yet, he had this capacity. He was one of the leading activists, very young, generally self-effacing, but his influence was always telling.
Public servants are those people. They do not want to be known for their political views or how brilliant they can be or this, that or the other. They want to take all the different people and take them in a direction that shapes a society. That was Comrade Michael.
I know that, as we go to the elections, we never think about these kinds of people who don't want to be known for whom they support, where their views are, but who are concerned that when the people have elected who must lead the country, they will bring their skills, their know-how, their dedication and hard work to ensure that those policies for which the people have voted are implemented, and therefore that the country and the people succeed. That is what makes a public servant.
I think, as we talk here today, that we must reflect quietly on how much we owe the men and women who do this. We do not even know what exactly their views are, and so on. However, they ensure that when we get here, each one of us gets water if we need it. Each one of us has paper and a pen if we need it, and so on. Those are the critical people who sustain governments and administrations. The political leaders come and they pass through. Administrations remain in place. They are an essential element that stays from term to term, serving the people selflessly.
Today, we are remembering one of the best amongst us. I hope that our Department of the Public Service and Administration can continue to build and cultivate this culture so that we produce an outstanding generation of public servants that will sustain our democracy, even when it comes to political advice on the things that need to be done, to sustain the Constitution and therefore the democracy. They are the vital elements.
He died young, and as our forebears and elders say ...
Sejana se se tle ha se jele ... [Good people die young ...]
... because people put it there; they admire it, and before you can use it, you know, it may fall and break, and then we lose it. What it really means is that extremely useful, productive people who understand their mission tend to die far too early.
I say this because our democracy is still growing. I hope we can find a substitute of his calibre. May God rest his soul in peace. [Applause.]
House Chairperson, hon members, on behalf of the ACDP, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Michael Coetzee, especially to his beloved wife, Bridgette, his son, Matthew, and his mother.
In support of today's Order on the Order Paper, I also want to pay my respects to and honour an extraordinary man, a man who earned the admiration and respect of members of all political parties, parliamentary staff, his colleagues, and all who knew him. Our former, late Secretary to Parliament, Michael Coetzee, undoubtedly left behind a memorable and enviable legacy.
A motion that was moved by the Chief Whip of the Majority Party regarding the appointment of Mr Coetzee to serve as Secretary to Parliament in October 2012 is testament to this legacy. His appointment was unanimously approved by the National Assembly and the NCOP after his exemplary leadership as Deputy Secretary for 12 years. It was easy for members to reach this unanimous decision, because members of both Houses had come to know his work ethic, passion, competence, diligence and commitment to the efficient running of the institution of Parliament.
Michael Coetzee accepted the appointment to serve as Secretary to Parliament even though he was already ill, because he wanted to finish the good work he had started in the transition process from the Fourth to the Fifth Parliament. Even though concerns about his health were raised by his family, who would have preferred him to retire and spend more time at home, recuperating, he continued to work regardless.
His commitment, passion and diligence were unwavering. He successfully led his team to put in place the necessary administrative mechanisms and instruments for the functioning of the new term of Parliament. The ACDP will always remember Michael Coetzee for his humility, friendliness, approachability, discipline and professionalism.
To his wife, his son and all family members, we want to thank you for giving Michael Coetzee to Parliament, and also for giving him the space he needed to contribute towards building and entrenching democratic values in our Parliament. May the Lord bless you all, comfort you, and heal your broken hearts in this time of tremendous loss. I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Chairperson, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers, hon members of the House and ladies and gentlemen, I am not sure whether you know that there are people who do not die. While death is a common denominator, there are two kinds of people. The first kind is born, they eat, they grow up and they create problems. No one remembers them. The others, like Michael Coetzee - by the way he is my namesake - was not one of the above. He was born, he ate, grew up and served humanity by providing solutions. He had the correct self-knowledge to serve humanity. He was a real servant.
I engaged with him for only two days, but I learnt a lot from him. We had an appointment to meet the following day, but he was no more. However, as I have said, he is still alive. He had love. It is said that service is love made visible and, indeed, he manifested that.
Hi Xitsonga hi ri: "Mitirho ya vulavula". Mitirho ya Michael Coetzee ya vulavula naswona yi ta ya emahlweni yi vulavula. [In Tsonga we say: "Actions speak louder than words." Michael Coetzee's actions speak and will continue to speak.]
Someone said: "Whoever knows the all and possesses the all, but fails to serve humanity lacks everything." Michael Coetzee was not one of them.
Our deepest condolences go to Mr Coetzee's family. May he rest in peace. We know that he lives on. Thank you. [Applause.]
Chairperson, comrades and hon members, I rise on behalf of the APC and, indeed, on my own behalf to express our condolences to Mr Coetzee's family, relatives, colleagues and comrades. Your pain is our collective pain for, in the African tradition, we share the joy, we share the pain.
Mr Coetzee was an honourable man. He was honourable, not as a meaningless or arbitrary title, but through concrete practice and by force of example, in the first instance, as a freedom fighter, where he distinguished himself as a brave, dedicated and committed activist. It was in the dangerous, yet fulfilling course of the struggle that his character was formed. It was in the crucible of struggle that his consciousness was broadened, thus preparing him for the national responsibilities he was to assume later.
As we celebrate freedom, it is the memory of activists like Mr Coetzee that we should never forget. There is no doubt that Mr Coetzee served Parliament well, firstly, as the Deputy Secretary and later as the Secretary to Parliament. His tenure at the helm of Parliament's administration had no noticeable controversies or upheavals.
Therefore, the APC hopes that those he has left behind will continue to run this important institution of our country in a way that honours his memory. We must all serve with humility, dignity and integrity, as Mr Coetzee did. Mr Coetzee was indeed a true leader and it was with people like him in mind that Sobukwe described true leadership, and I quote:
True leadership demands complete subjugation of self ... uprightness of character ... integrity ... courage and fearlessness and above all, a consuming love for one's people.
May his soul rest in peace. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
That concludes the speakers' list. The presiding officers associate themselves with the sentiments expressed by the members of this House on this matter.