Speaker, the ACDP would like to join other speakers in paying tribute to Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe. He has always treated us in the opposition with the greatest respect, and has appreciated the role that the opposition plays in a vibrant democracy, and that is to hold government accountable.
It was the hon Motlanthe who stood in during the tumultuous period when former President Thabo Mbeki was recalled. He managed to calm internal party sentiments then and guide the country towards the 2009 elections. It is very apparent that the hon Motlanthe at no stage strove to hold positions of power. He had no ambition to occupy any government position in the 2009 elections, but aimed rather to ensure that the new President was properly inaugurated.
For him his party came first, ahead of personal aspirations, and we can all learn from that. The fact that President Zuma chose him for the position of Deputy President in spite of his having no ambition to run for any position speaks volumes for his reputation.
We in the ACDP honour Deputy President Motlanthe. He was also not afraid to criticise his own party. His report to the ANC's 2002 Stellenbosch Conference reflected serious problems besetting the ANC in government. His criticisms of the party also led to his being described as the ANC's conscience and moral anchor.
We understand that he wanted to become a priest, but he has since lived out those spiritual values and principles of honour, humility, respect for others and servant leadership. We would all do well to emulate those values, to be servants of the people. He has been a rock on which the ANC government, and indeed the nation, has been built. One could almost say that the hon Deputy President is a true "Petrus".
Hon Motlanthe has always responded to questions with great respect, even when he was exasperated. Even when the follow-up question was not related to the question put, he would find a respectful way to answer.
Hon Deputy President, we in the ACDP will miss your dignified presence and we wish you well in your future endeavors. May you and your family continue to be blessed. I thank you. [Applause.]