Mr Speaker, on behalf of the IFP and its president, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, I stand to express our deep and sincere condolences: Firstly, to the family and close relatives of the late Deputy Minister Dirk du Toit, who was an MP, for their loss; and secondly, to the ANC for the loss of a dedicated cadre and comrade. Indeed, the national organised agriculture and farmworkers in particular must feel robbed of the compassion that he brought into his portfolio as a Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs.
Much has been said and written since the departure of Prof Du Toit about his history, his family and his achievements. I will therefore not repeat this today. It is, however, important at this juncture to mention that in my contact with Prof Du Toit while in the executive, I found him to be a man of good character, with immense intellect. He always made insightful contributions, be it in the constitutional negotiating processes that brought about this democratic dispensation, or in the Cabinet where he served as the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs. He will surely be missed, and may his soul rest in peace. [Applause.]