Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, on behalf of the DA, it is indeed an honour to convey a message of condolence to the Sisulu family. Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu, Mama Sisulu, was a moral compass for our nation. She was a fierce defender of freedom, and showed extraordinary fortitude during some of the most painful times in our country's history.
Mama Sisulu was a nurse, a mentor, and a leader. But she was first a mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother. Despite being a single mother for most of her life, she offered love and care to those far beyond her immediate family, especially our country's children.
Mama Sisulu was a Unicef patron; she spearheaded the establishment of the National Children's Rights Committee, a body which helped to ensure that the principles of the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child were incorporated into our country's Constitution and Bill of Rights. During the transition to democracy, Mama Sisulu ensured that the needs of our children were prioritised. She believed that they had already paid too high a price in the country's struggle for freedom.
The news of Mama Sisulu's passing has been met with great sadness across the world. The outpouring of grief that we have seen in our own country is a testament to the significant role that Mama Sisulu played in shaping our nation. Today we have an opportunity to celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman who has gone to join the pantheon of great South Africans.
The Sisulu family has distinguished itself in the most exemplary fashion in service to our nation. Both Mama Sisulu and her late husband dedicated their lives to the pursuit of freedom and equality for all. Two of their children serve in this administration in the highest echelons of authority.
All Mama Sisulu's children, and her extended family, are in our thoughts at this time. Our thoughts are also with the ANC, the organisation in which Mama Sisulu played such a vital role as a leader during the struggle and also became a mentor for many of you that are in this House today.
Mama Sisulu's role in the UDF, where she served as co-president, was integral in bringing an end to apartheid. But what is truly remarkable is that, even after the fall of apartheid, Mama Sisulu continued to contribute to the development of our democracy in her capacity as an ANC MP. She never believed that her job was done.
Mama Sisulu was one of many South Africans who made immeasurable personal sacrifices to fight for the establishment of a free constitutional state in our country. She showed strength and courage, both in the face of the apartheid edifice and in times of personal struggle and tribulations.
The most fitting way that we as legislators can honour her legacy, and the legacy of other leaders of her time such as her husband, the late Walter Sisulu, the late Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela, is by ensuring that those values for which these leaders fought are promoted and protected. We must ensure that the work of Parliament in providing oversight and promoting basic democratic principles is defended at all costs. We cannot allow the democratic advances that Mama Sisulu fought for to slip through our fingers and be replaced by populist politicking that serves only individual agendas.
Albertina Sisulu's unique maternal manner made her the mother of our nation. She wore the mantle of matriarch in an inimitable fashion. She will be remembered for her courage and fearless determination to see South Africa transformed into a country for all its people.
We, however, do not despair of hope in our profound loss. The comforting words of the prophet Micah are indeed a source of solace: "When I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me."
Mama Sisulu is survived by her family, her friends and loved ones, and a nation indebted to her determination to see the vision of a free, democratic South Africa realised.
Allow me, Deputy Speaker and the bereaved Sisulu family, to invoke three verses of the original anthem of Africa, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, to pay tribute to our deceased mother and her life's endeavours.
Yiza, Moya! Sikelela, Nkosi, sikelela, Yiza, Moya Oyingcwele
Nkosi, sikelela, thina, Lusapho lwayo. Sikelel' amalinge ethu Awomanyano nokuzakha Awemfundo nemvisiswano uwasikelele.
Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika Cima bonk' ubugwenxa bayo Nezigqitho nezono zayo Uyisikelele.
Lala ngoxolo, Mama Sisulu. Akuhlanga lungehlanga. [Kwaqhwatywa.] (Translation of isiXhosa paragraphs follows.)
[Come, Holy Spirit, come Bless, oh God, bless Come, Holy Spirit, come
Bless us, oh God We, Africa's family Bless our initiatives To unite and build Bless our initiatives Towards education and mutual understanding.
God bless Africa Forgive all its evil Its trespasses and sins God bless Africa.
Rest in peace, Mama Sisulu. Please accept what has happened as fate. [Applause.]]