Speaker, we have lost a principled and compassionate man through the death of hon Kganyago, deputy president of the UDM.
He served as a Member of Parliament from April 2004 and was Deputy Minister of Public Works for five years. He was affectionately known as "Prof," because he was well educated, highly regarded as a teacher and known as an eternal student, always asking questions and never too old to learn. The ACDP recognises hon Kganyago as a courageous pioneer who helped establish his party at a time when the political situation was extremely volatile. He had a full and productive life and held a Masters Degree in School Psychology, a BA, and a Bachelor of Education degree.
Psychology, guidance and counselling were close to his heart, and he served as Head of Psychological Services in the then Department of Education in the 1970s.
I served with hon Kganyago on Basic Education and, on our committee trips, we often had time to chat. One story that he told me about his very much younger days sticks in my mind, partly because it caused me some sadness and, I suspect, despite his chuckle, was a slightly painful memory for him, too.
He told me that when he was still just a boy, he was an apprentice to an electrician and was often up in the roofs of houses in white areas. He said he would never forget the fright he got one day when he misplaced his foot and fell through the roof of the house into the bedroom of a little girl, who had stayed home from school that day because she was sick.
The little girl screamed and screamed uncontrollably, repeating the words, "'n Swart duiwel! 'n Swart duiwel!" [A black devil! A black devil!] [Laughter.] Now I am not sure why he shared that particular story, but it appeared to be important to him. So, with a heavy heart, I share it with you.
We will miss you, hon Kganyago, and our prayers are with your wife and family, colleagues and friends during this sad time. Rest in peace. [Applause.]