Speaker, the ACDP learnt with sadness of the death of the former Deputy President of the United Christian Democratic Party, UCDP, Paul Kgomotso Ditshetelo, who died after a period of illness. The 72-year- old ex-parliamentarian was the first Secretary-General of the UCDP after the dawn of democracy in 1994 and was elected its Deputy President in 1999. This year, in January, he did not stand for any position due to ill health.
The ACDP enjoyed a good relationship with Paul Ditshetelo, or St Paul, as my colleague Steve Swart used to call him at Parliament during his time in office in the National Assembly. He led the parliamentary prayer group for many years and was much appreciated. We knew him to be a dignified, diligent man with high principles. He was also friendly and a pleasure to work with.
On behalf of the ACDP, I wish to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to our friend and fellow Member of Parliament, Celia Ditshetelo, the Ditshetelo family, friends and colleagues. Having met and worked with Paul Ditshetelo, it is easy to understand how much he will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our heart goes out to our friends in the UCDP.