Chairperson, the ACDP learnt with great sadness of the passing at the age of 65 of former ANC Member of Parliament, Inkosi Xolo, on Friday, 2 March 2012, following a brief illness. As has been mentioned, he was an MP from 2004 until 2009, as well as a founding member of Contralesa. He served on the executive of this body in a number of capacities.
South Africa's peaceful transition to democracy can be attributed to many great leaders who took a stand against political violence, often at great personal cost. He was such a leader, a Christian who worked tirelessly towards bringing peace and stability to Port Shepstone during the political turbulence of the 1980s. I understand that there was an assassination attempt on his life and that he survived eight bullets.
During that time, in the face of that great personal danger and even when his house was razed to the ground, forcing him to seek exile in Durban, he continued to preach peace and promote tolerance. Today, we honour him for his uncompromising stand on the promotion of peace and reconciliation.
The ACDP prays that our Heavenly Father will comfort his wife, his family, his friends and colleagues in the ANC. May they take comfort in this knowledge: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Hamba kahle. Siyabonga. [Kwaqhwatywa.] [Rest in peace. Thank you.] [Applause.]]