Hon Speaker, the sudden loss of struggle stalwart Prof Kader Asmal has come as a huge shock to all of us in the entire country. The 76- year-old professor was a fearless fighter for freedom and human rights, and even up until the very last weeks of his life he had been fighting for the rights of South Africans without any aim of self-enrichment. Just a few days ago, he encouraged South Africans to stand firm against the proposed Protection of Information Bill, and his independent voice will be sorely missed.
He served the people of South Africa and his nation without wavering from the foundations and goals of our democracy. He added substance and value to each and every task afforded to him and stood firm on his beliefs, even at times when his views were unpopular.
The nation will continue to benefit for many decades from the vital role he played during the anti-apartheid struggle. He was an irreplaceable entity in the Mandela and Mbeki Cabinets in which he served. Prof Asmal will be missed by the thousands of students, both locally and abroad, whom he has inspired over the years with his enthusiasm.
On behalf of the ID, we extend our deepest, heartfelt condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of the late freedom struggle icon, Prof Kader Asmal. I thank you. [Applause.]