Hon Speaker, we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing away of the hon Frans Ting-Ting Masango. He was, as we can all testify, brave where so many others trembled. He was resolute where many others wavered. He fought in the streets and inside the committee rooms. He campaigned against the hanging of Solomon Mahlangu, who was on death row, and later was himself an occupant of that same death row.
The hon Masango was prepared to pay any price, undergo any privation and suffer any consequences so that all of us could be free. It is sad today to observe how the struggle, amongst many of his former comrades, is not to give all, as he did, but to take all, in whichever way possible.
Today we are deeply mourning the passing away of this comrade who actually fought for all of us in this country. The crass materialism, the brazenness, the careerism and the soullessness of corruption that we see so prevalent among many of those who once identified with the struggle, go against all he stood and fought for.
If this evil is not rooted out now, another oppressive regime will begin to take root in our recently freed soil. It would be very sad if we were just offering platitudes today, and then tomorrow we forget what this brave, incomparable man did in his short existence.
He would want to be remembered in a good manner. Would any of us perhaps remember him in that way? The way he led, is the way we should lead. The way he saw things, is the way we should see things.
We too should show utmost bravery in what we do, and in particular we should be brave in opposing those who are bent on reversing our gains in terms of corruption and values that are actually not needed. I appeal to all hon members to use this occasion to reflect deeply, so that when we return to this honourable House again, we should be honouring the hon Masango.
We commiserate with his family; their loss and our loss is irreparable. He was a giant amongst us. Today is our chance to say to his family that it was a privilege for him to serve. I thank you. [Time expired.]