The ACDP offers condolences to the Direko family, the people in her community and the ANC on the loss of their long-time mother figure, friend and comrade. My colleagues and I know Mama Direko as a colleague in the work of Parliament and we recognise her significant contribution to the history of South Africa, where she leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service and hard work.
It is delightful to read of her whole life having been one of cheerful giving. The community where she was born and lived remember her with much affection. They speak gratefully of Mama Direko's fishing them out of difficult situations. One woman remembers Mama Direko's picking up the costs of the funeral of her mother, when her family was unable to pay. Another tells of Mama Direko's days as a tuck shop owner in the late 1980s, when poor people used to ask her for food and other necessities, and she often obliged. She also helped young people and assisted them with money to travel to school.
Mama Direko had a great sense of humour and, at the same time, showed a fine intellect as a teacher, principal and motivator.
We join countless others who celebrate Mama Direko's life, and honour her as the selfless woman of prayer and service that she was. Thank you. [Applause.]