Hon Chairperson, I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished South African and political leader, the hon Rev Kenneth Meshoe. Hon Meshoe has worked tirelessly for 20 years as the leader of his party, the ACDP, and has overseen electoral growth in each election since 1994. He has faithfully and dutifully served his country his entire life, first as a teacher, then as a marriage counsellor, a pastor, and finally as a Member of Parliament.
I have had the great pleasure of working with the hon Meshoe in our capacity as Members of Parliament's Multiparty Opposition Forum. In that forum we have all, as opposition party leaders, had the benefit of Rev Meshoe's wisdom and patience and seen at first hand why he has enjoyed such a long and illustrious career in politics.
His strong convictions and humble dedication to championing social development, economic prosperity, justice and freedom of religion for all throughout our nation have earned him a reputation as a leader of principle. His contribution to the tapestry of South Africa's political life will be missed for the brief period that it will be absent, as will his presence here in Parliament. We in the Democratic Alliance are proud to have served in this Parliament's opposition benches alongside the hon Meshoe.
George Bernard Shaw once said: "Perhaps the greatest social service that can be rendered by anybody to the country and to mankind is to bring up a family." Reverend Meshoe has done just that, not only with his own family, but also through his leadership in the Republic of South Africa.
We wish the hon Meshoe well and all the very best in his future endeavours.
May the road rise up to meet him, may the wind be always at his back, may the sun shine warm upon his face, the rains fall soft upon his fields, and until we meet again, may God hold him in the palm of His hand.
I thank you. [Applause.]