Hon Speaker, His Excellency, the President of our country, Nxamalala; His Excellency, the Deputy President, Mkhuluwa [big brother]; hon Ministers, hon Deputy Ministers, hon members, I would like to say on behalf of myself, my family and the IFP that at this time we are all praying to the Almighty God to show His mercy on us now that our icon is ailing.
I know that some of us have had our threescore years and ten. I think even in the Cabinet we have someone who is living and who was born at the same time as us, me and Madiba. People expect us to die, but God is merciful. We pray that Madiba will recover.
Hon Speaker, May I ask all the men to pay tribute to Madiba.
Sukumani nonke! Ah! Dalibhunga! [All rise! Ah! Dalibhunga! (clan name)]
HON MEMBERS: Dalibhunga!