Speaker, on behalf of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, I move:
That the House -
1) notes with great sadness the death of African National Congress Member of Parliament and Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mr Roy Padayachie, on Saturday, 5 May 2012;
2) further notes that Mr Padayachie passed away while on an official state visit to Ethiopia;
3) remembers that Mr Padayachie served in various capacities within the ANC and Government, including as member of the ANC KwaZulu- Natal negotiating team at the Congress for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa), Deputy Minister of Communications, Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration and Minister of Communications;
4) further remembers that he served as an Executive Member of the Natal Indian Congress and Executive Committee Member of the United Democratic Front in KwaZulu-Natal;
5) recalls that his political career was shaped by the Black Consciousness Movement, the Natal Indian Congress, and his own experience of the destructive influence of apartheid's racist laws on the majority of South Africans;
6) further recalls that, notwithstanding his immense involvement in directing protests and opposition to the repressive policies of apartheid, he excelled at university and completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Durban-Westville and a Master of Science degree at the University of London;
7) believes that Mr Padayachie's hallmark characteristics of humility, modesty and unassuming brilliance belied his supreme political astuteness, his rare incisive analysis of political crises and his talented ability to resolve and reform even under the most trying of circumstances;
8) further believes that he was a man for the poor, a leader for the downtrodden and a champion of the disadvantaged;
9) acknowledges his deep compassion, humility, commitment and courage, which he proved in true selfless service to his people and the country;
10) appreciates his immense contribution to furthering our democracy, his dedication and enthusiasm as a public representative and community worker, and his work ethic and vibrant leadership; and
11) extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Padayachie, friends, colleagues and members of the African National Congress.