Madam Speaker, hon members, the hon Noisey Nawa died suddenly and unexpectedly over the weekend. Like all who knew her, we are in a state of shock and sadness.
We recognise that, indeed, she was a true daughter of the soil; someone whose life became a testament to what can be achieved by the human spirit when dedicated to the task of securing freedom based on considerations of human rights. Her role in the political struggle for liberation and the realisation and establishment of democracy is well recorded and documented.
She worked tirelessly for securing the rights of women, and also committed over 14 years of her life towards the educational upliftment of the community to which she belonged in Temba where she served as a principal of the Lefofa Primary School.
Furthermore, she was an extremely kind and caring person who felt deeply about the social issues facing our country. She was also a very conscientious Member of Parliament and was also dedicated to her constituency and various organisations to which she belonged, particularly as a member of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services. She was also distressed to see how many young people were incarcerated, often with very long sentences, and constantly suggested ways in which this vicious cycle could be broken.
Towards the middle of the year, she developed a chest complaint that made it difficult for her to talk. Despite this, she attended two weeks of intensive oversight inspections in Gauteng and in KwaZulu-Natal in late July and early August. On occasions, she could scarcely speak. Yet, she still put her questions to the officials by writing them down and asking colleagues to read them out. That is the sort of dedication and commitment that made her so special.
We, who knew her professionally, saw one side of her and deeply miss her. One can imagine how much more her loss will be felt by her organisation, the ANC and by her friends and family. We extend our deepest condolence to all of them - but in the knowledge that her example and legacy will live on. We in the DA wholeheartedly support the motion of condolence. Thank you.