Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
UDM President
A tribute by Mr Bantu Holomisa
The nation is mourning the painful death of yet another son of the soil, uTata Mendi Msimang. He was cut from the same cloth as the founding president of our democracy, Tata Madiba and of the same generation of people like the great Tata Walter Sisulu.
Ntate Msimang distinguished himself in the fight for a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and a prosperous South Africa. He remained true to that vision up until his death. He represented our country par excellence when he served as an envoy in London between 1995 and 1998.
In his honour, we must work harder to improve the lives of the people of South Africa. We must ensure that the land is returned to the people and used to ensure inclusive economic growth and development. We must make schools work and become safer places to teach and learn.
We must eradicate informal settlements and improve on the quality of basic health services. We must deepen the battle against the abuse of women and children, and we must ensure that all citizens enjoy their freedoms as equals. Only once we have achieved this, can we seek to adequately honour his memory and legacy.
As the United Democratic Movement, we say: Ulale kakuhle Tata. I will personally miss you and pass our condolences to the entire Msimang family. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay respect to the African National Congress as his lifelong political home.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
