Mr Speaker, it is clear from these tributes that former Member of Parliament Adv Joe Malahlela was devoted to his country and serving his fellow man. It is particularly regrettable that Joe passed away so suddenly at the relatively young age of 38.
I had the honour of getting to know the hon Malahlela when I served on the Justice portfolio committee. He was a committed lawyer, firm and resolute in his commitment to extend access to justice to all, particularly to previously disadvantaged communities. And he loved to debate issues, as lawyers are wont to do. He had a passion for the issues that he was considering. He was also a gentleman and highly respected among his colleagues.
I remember that during the heated debate surrounding the future of the Scorpions, he had been tasked by the ANC to respond to the ACDP's submission and to put questions to me. Before I made my submission, he came to me and told me he had been tasked to put questions to me, but I need not worry because the questions would not be very difficult. Through such actions he was my brother and a very considerate colleague. We shared a lot of good times and even studied economics together - a whole new field for both of us as lawyers.
He was indeed, as the motion points out, "a gifted, hardworking, friendly and humble servant of the people". May I, on behalf of the ACDP, express our sincere condolences to brother Joe's family, friends and colleagues in the ANC. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. I thank you.