Speaker, the ACDP is saddened by the death of Dr Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert, one of the architects of South Africa's transition from apartheid and a noted writer on its politics and sociology.
Dr Slabbert was a former leader of the then official opposition, the PFP, in the House of Assembly, a political analyst, successful businessman and one of our country's most respected visionary political leaders. We will remember him for his courage to stand up against apartheid, contrary to his upbringing and culture as an Afrikaner and at the cost of being labelled a traitor by his fellow Afrikaners.
In 1986, he surprised many when he and fellow MP, Alex Boraine, resigned as Members of Parliament, in protest against the politics of exclusion and repression that was promoted and perpetrated by the apartheid National Party government.
The Institute for Democracy in South Africa, Idasa, board chairman, Njabulo Ndebele, said and I quote:
Slabbert went against the grain, broke ranks, but established new alliances and friendships that transcended the old divisions. He was a remarkable South African who had a sharp and sensitive intelligence and a tremendous sense of humour.
One of the many initiatives Dr Slabbert will be remembered for was the conference Idasa held in Dakar, Senegal, in July 1987, which brought together about 60 influential white South Africans and members of the exiled ANC to initiate a dialogue that led to negotiations. This resulted in a political settlement, and the multiparty democracy we enjoy today.
To his wife and children, loved ones and colleagues, the ACDP offers their sincere condolences. South Africa has lost a great man of principle who left a great legacy. I thank you.