Deputy Speaker, the ACDP was sad to learn of the passing of former UDM Member of Parliament, Mr Nelson Ramodike, who died after a long illness. Our sincere sympathy and condolences go to his family, friends, the people of Tzaneen and his fellow comrades.
Mr Ramodike, who I am told joined at least about seven political parties in his lifetime, was also the last Chief Minister of the former Bantustan Lebowa. The National Council of Provinces Chairperson, Mr Mninwa Mahlangu, who served in Mr Ramodike's Cabinet in the last years of the homeland system, in a recent news report recalled him as a political visionary.
As a Member of Parliament, he contributed greatly to parliamentary debates, and as UDM spokesperson for Minerals and Energy he will be remembered for his contribution to the Minerals Development Bill. That would have been during 2001, when I was also a member of the Minerals and Energy committee. I always think of that committee, the Chairman, Duma Nkosi, the committee clerk and the committee members as being some of my first and most memorable mentors in the oversight work of Parliament.
We pray that family and friends will experience God's presence and peace at this time. Thank you. [Applause.]