Hon Speaker, the news of the sudden death of the hon Dr Molefi Sefularo, the former Deputy Minister of Health, was received by us in the IFP with much shock, resentment and anguish, especially because it snatched from our midst one of the most dedicated sons of our country, South Africa, in the prime of his life.
The IFP has had opportunity to work with Dr Sefularo in Parliament and in government, and has great respect for his skills and leadership. So his tragic death is a loss to us all.
Dr Sefularo was an accomplished scholar and a dedicated servant of our nation, who always had the best interests of the people of South Africa at heart.
We also pay tribute to the outstanding work he did in leading the fight against HIV and Aids in South Africa. We are aware that during his tenure as the MEC for health in North West and during the current term as the Deputy Minister of Health, he was known for his passion, drive and dedication in improving South Africa's ailing health system and curbing the spread of HIV and Aids.
Away from the corridors of Parliament and government, Dr Sefularo was a man that was well liked by many. He was admired within the community for the work he did to raise the standard of living of ordinary members of the community and, in particular, for his efforts to encourage the youth to acquire education so that they could thereby equip themselves better to serve the community and the nation.
The IFP extends its deepest condolences, sympathy and support to the Sefularo family, to his colleagues and friends and to members of the ANC. May God give them strength and consolation at this difficult time. We pray that God gives him eternal rest and that light perpetual shines upon him. I thank you.
Mr J J McGLUWA: Hon Speaker, the ID would like to express its deepest sadness over the tragic passing of the late Dr Sefularo. Coming from the same province as the Deputy Minister, I knew him very well when he was practising as a doctor at the Thusong Hospital in Mafikeng in North West. When he became the MEC for health, Dr Sefularo remained a very humble and gentle person.
During the memorial service yesterday, it was evident that his family shares the late doctor's humility. He was always smiling, willing to help, patient and very polite. Dr Sefularo's contribution to the National Health Insurance Scheme, which the ID wholeheartedly supports, was invaluable. We thank him and his family for giving us so much of his time.
Perhaps the best way that we as a country can remember him is by adopting the same kind of determination he showed in ensuring that the National Health Insurance Scheme was implemented in such a way that the gross inequalities in our health care system were overcome.
Dr Sefularo was a loyal cadre for democracy whom we shall all miss dearly. I thank you. [Applause.]