Speaker, Cope joins all other political parties in sending condolences to the friends, party members and family of former Member of Parliament, Paul Harry Kgomotso Ditshetelo, who died on Saturday at the age of 72. His illness had taken such a great toll on him in recent months that he was unable to continue carrying the burden of a long life in public service. Everybody who knew him respected him for being a man of peace and of God. This is why he was affectionately known as Oom Paul.
Paul Ditshetelo, together with Kgosi Lucas Mangope, cofounded the Tswana National Party in 1972. His party later became known as the UCDP. Paul Ditshetelo became its first Secretary-General in 1994. In 1999, Oom Paul was elected Deputy President.
Those of us who served with him in Parliament knew him as a man of integrity. He fought for justice and prosperity in his quiet and dignified manner. He never forgot his cultural roots and was proud of his Tswana background, language and tradition. He promoted the recognition and advancement of his language, both in Parliament and in private life.
His passing away is a great loss to his family, friends and colleagues. Suddenly a great vacuum has opened up. We pray that God will sustain the entire family and clan of Oom Paul. May their hearts be filled with fortitude and may time be allowed to heal the wound of such a loss as they remember a life well lived.
The fact that he spent the last years of his working life in politics is a sure sign of his commitment to the development of the country and co- operation with others to contribute to a better life for all South Africans and all who live in this country. It is an ideal goal to live and die for. Our deepest condolences go to his party, bereaved family and especially to his wife, the hon Ipuseng Celia Ditshetelo, a current Member of Parliament.