Hon Speaker, hon Ministers, hon members, like his family and his party, we too feel utterly shocked and shattered at the loss of a fellow MP, deeply loved friend and highly respected UDM deputy president, Prof Ntopile Marcel Kganyago, generally known as Oom Koos.
He had so much goodness to offer, so much wisdom to share and so much ubuntu to express that we must place him in the pantheon of South Africa's highly dedicated and selfless servants. He was humble in bearing, humorous in engagement and deeply dedicated in service. He endeared himself to all who worked with him and shared fellowship with him.
In our politics, since 1994, the singular touchstone in evaluating anybody to share in our democracy has been the extent of that individual's devotion to our Constitution and support for human rights. Comrade Kganyago, Oom Koos, passed this test with distinction.
His vision was for a freer South Africa, steeped in the values of constitutional democracy. Professor Kganyago was passionate about psychology, probity and politics. He taught that we needed a positive mind set, strong ethical values and a resolute belief in democracy to achieve stability and prosperity.
He lived out what he believed. The challenge he leaves us with is to pursue what he so sincerely taught us.
Over 100 years South Africa has been blessed with leaders who valued freedom for freedom's sake and made great personal sacrifices to achieve and generate freedom. Comrade Kganyago linked hands with those who dreamt of freedom and made freedom in our land possible.
The Professor was a great linguist. He could freely switch from one language to the next, from English to Afrikaans, to Pedi and to the Nguni languages. He also showed love and respect for others and he actually lowered his gaze to do this.
Comrade Kganyago was a deep thinker and his love for education knew no bounds. I also can say that he was a very smart politician.
Rest well, Comrade Professor. You served our country well; you sincerely honoured our great leaders of the struggle and now in your departure you leave us inspired never to forget the struggle, never to yield on making safe our freedom and never to abandon the people of our land, who look to us to secure the future.
To the family of Comrade Kganyago and the leadership of the UDM, we offer our sincerest condolences on the passing away of a loyal, devoted and loving being.
Comrade Kganyago, batho bao ba swanago le wena ba a hlokwa. Robala ka khut?o Sebatakgomo. Re a leboga. [You are one in a million. Rest in peace, Sebatakgomo. Thank you.]