Speaker, today we say goodbye to someone who joined the ANC at the youthful age of 22 years and spent most of his life fighting for the betterment of South Africa.
It was with unbearable shock and profound sadness that we learned of Minister Roy Padayachie's passing away. Surely this Parliament will long remember the late Minister Padayachie who suddenly said his final goodbyes to his wife, children and country while on an official visit.
Roy was a humble, principled and well-respected man. He was an extremely hard worker and always put service to the country before his own needs.
I can still hear his tone of voice when responding to the opposition benches during Members' Statements and Questions in this House. He was certainly cool, calm and collected. He was always seeking compromises and, where necessary, inviting members to visit or write to him to investigate any matter.
In the days after the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup, I made it a point to personally hand over photographs to members who attended the opening match. Roy was one of them. In return, he sent me a note and actually took me by surprise. He jokingly teased me about my photographic abilities, but simultaneously showed immense appreciation and could not comprehend how I could have taken the time to spot, zoom in on and capture him on camera.
I was also impressed by his humble nature, and it is these traits that will allow us to remember Roy the person and not Roy the Minister.
Speaker, ek wil dit beklemtoon dat ek bendruk was met Roy se sagmoedigheid en nederigheid. Hy was 'n mens-mens, en dit is hierdie soort kenmerke wat ons in staat stel om Roy die persoon te kan onthou, en nie net Roy die Minister nie. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Speaker, I want to emphasise the fact that I was impressed with Roy's gentle nature and humility. He was a person's person, and it is these kinds of characteristics that enable us to remember Roy as the person he was, and not only as Roy the Minister.]
In Roy the ANC has undoubtedly given birth to one of the greatest heroes of our age, a true servant and leader, someone who has made a lasting impact on the lives of others, someone who will certainly be missed.
We would like to express our sincere sympathies to Minister Padayachie's wife, children, family and friends, as well as the ANC. Thank you. [Applause.]