Thank you, Deputy Chair and hon members. I rise to join the hon members who spoke before me, to convey words of condolence from the ANC, its members and the Whippery in the NCOP, as we bid farewell and pay tribute to one of our fallen colleagues, the hon Mr T B Beyleveldt.
Hon Beyleveldt joined Parliament as a delegate and Provincial Whip of the Western Cape only late last year. At the time of his death he had left a remarkable mark as one of the most dedicated delegates in the NCOP. Because of his unparalleled dedication to his work, his meticulousness, and the exceptional prowess he had accumulated over his many years of leadership and service to South Africa, he did his work with extraordinary excellence. Not many members were actually aware that he had been serving in the NCOP for just less than a year.
As the Provincial Whip of the Western Cape in the NCOP hon Beyleveldt had the incalculable task of leading a high-powered delegation of leaders who served the NCOP and their political parties in the highest capacities. Yet his humility, maturity and willingness to learn with utmost speed made him a remarkable provincial whip and member of the NCOP.
As the Provincial Whip of the Western Cape, hon Beyleveldt put his views very sharply. He remained a devoted champion of the Western Cape in the NCOP, especially in raising issues facing the people of the Western Cape and his party, the DA, in debates, in committee and Whippery meetings, and in the debates of the Council. He did so with supreme excellence, because he was disciplined and committed to his work in the NCOP.
The Western Cape, his party and his community of Hermanus have truly lost a dedicated patriot and committed servant. As the ANC we want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the hon Beyleveldt, particularly his wife, Marianne, and his children.
Mag sy siel en gees voortleef en in stilte rus. Baie dankie. [May his soul and his spirit live on and may he rest in peace. Thank you.]