Admin
21 May, 2019
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
On this day, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we are reminded of how we should respect one another’s constitutional rights and, specifically, each South African’s right to cultural expression. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that cultural diversity drives change, not only with respect to economic growth, but it also assists our society to achieve sustainable development, which in turn reduces poverty. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for stability, development and social cohesion in our country. On this score, South Africa still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, there is a palpable feeling of unease amongst our people, which is born out by the results in our just passed election. From the UDM’s perspective, we cannot afford to lose more time in forming a cohesive society and to unleash the creative power inherent in our diversity to transform South Africa into a winning nation for all who live in it. It is not only incumbent on government to promote social cohesion, but it is each of our responsibility to learn about each other’s cultures and live-out our constitutional rights, responsibilities and ideals. The UDM therefore calls on all South Africans to reach out to one another and respect each other’s beliefs and traditions, so that we may be a unified nation. Issued by: Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa UDM Deputy President
Admin
03 Jun, 2018
UDM National Election Workshop
The United Democratic Movement (UDM), held its National Election Workshop from the 1st to the 2nd of June, at Burgers Park Hotel, in Pretoria. The UDM can now confirm, with confidence, that it is all systems go. 2018. The workshop was attended by the national leadership, the representatives from provinces and regions, the youth, women and young professionals associate structures. President Holomisa said the gathering’s main purpose was to establish a UDM Road Map towards 2019 national and provincial elections, and to retune its Manifesto to effectively address the national current challenges. He said the current state of national affairs require a new thinking. He made it clear that the old thinking of Liberation Movement no longer serves the needs of the majority of South Africans and lamented the loss of vision within the ruling party, which has been captured by the corrupt, and co-opted by the elites. The current change of leadership in the ruling party does not bring anything new, Holomisa said; instead it is a step backward towards the neoliberal narrative that brought us corruption in a large scale. In Orwellian language, it is just a change of characters who stands on the first trough feeding line. The Secretary General of the UDM, Mr Bongani Msomi, presented the state of the party report. He talked with r egards to laws and regulations of IEC, making it clear how the UDM features in the current political landscape. The UDM believes the country is in urgent need of a comprehensive and integrated infrastructure plan, both for social and economic development. The party emphasis is on the maintenance, improvement and sustainability of the existing, whilst new and modern infrastructure is developed. The well-known independent political analyst, Dr Somadoda Fikeni gave a robust and critical evaluation of the balance of political forces in the country. With regard to elections, we took bold resolutions, amongst others, are the following: Reconnect with our communities through a campaign called Community Service – Putting People First. [We are clear that there are still serious service delivery gaps that need to be take up with the government of the say on behalf of the people in particular the vulnerable groups.] Internally, we plan to be ready with the list processes before the end of the current year. All our election machinery shall be in full swing by the end of August. Polish our manifesto and policies on the socio-economic challenges facing our people: rural and the urban infrastructure, implementation weaknesses, job creation, crime, education, health, good governance and anti-corruption.The UDM has been successful in championing current Popular Policy Positions in the country. Amongst those is: The need for a dialogue on Land. A National Convention on economic policy development and redistribution that must benefit the majority of our people. The National Assembly resolution of the 27 February 2018, which is also consistent with the UDM call for explicit constitutional clarity on expropriation without compensation, thus we supported it. The recently adopted Party Funding Bill is one of the campaigns the UDM has been championing since 2003. The party sharpened and consolidated its position on the Land Issue and its prepared contribution in the current national debate on Land Expropriation without Compensation. The workshop is of the view that: Land must be expropriated without compensation, for the common cause, where necessary. The constitution as it stands, must be tested to the maximum to create progressive precedence. The state capacity to deliver on this constitutional mandate has to be enhanced for efficiency and speedy effectiveness. There is an urgent need to attend to the urban / city land hunger for human settlement and entrepreneurship. Rural development must be reprioritised. Land Tax Gender Parity The UDM notes the politically related violence and which finds its expression within the governing party. We call on all political parties, to ensure that their internal party squabbles do not become a threat to free and fair elections in 2019. We also call on IEC to ensure that all its systems are in place on time to enable citizens. Lastly, the UDM welcomes the good work being done by our members in various provinces. We are excited about the growth of the party, especially in provinces like KZN.
Admin
30 Apr, 2018
Workers Day 2018
Media release by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP and UDM Deputy President On Labour Day, 1 May 2018, we all dwell on the plight of the working South African and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) unequivocally supports our workforce. South Africa’s painful history, with the exploitation of black South Africans, has left a scar on the psyche of our workforce and the poor. Today the formerly oppressed, comprising the biggest section of our workforce, as well as the poor, find themselves doing menial and/or physical labour for a slave wage. Only the lucky few has joined the middle class and the comrades in corruption have left their brothers and sisters to rot in the clutches of poverty which they are unlikely to escape under a ANC-led government. The UDM takes a dim view of big corporates’ annual threat of job-shedding, because they claim they cannot afford a too-high wage bill at the time of annual increases. Pay your directors less money and reduce the gap between the haves and the have-nots! Be what Judge Mervyn King calls conscious companies and look at the big picture before you ruthlessly cut jobs. The UDM reiterates the urgent call it made last week, for government to refer the proposed changes to our labour legislation back to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). We believe that the proposed changes will roll back progress made thus far. We also reiterate the call that Nedlac must have a wider range of representation and should not exclusively comprise of big business, the big unions and big trade federations. As we mark this day with those who have jobs, we also have in mind the millions of South Africans (including those with tertiary qualifications) who do not have work. We must not only concern ourselves with the rights of workers, but also with the right of all our people to work, have dignity and prosperity, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the economy. In fact, every day should be Labour Day, where we work towards a working and winning nation. Issued by: Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Deputy-President and Chief Whip in the National Assembly
Admin
24 Apr, 2018
Changes to labour legislations must go back to #Nedlac for broader consultation
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) makes an urgent call on government to refer the proposed changes to the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, as well as the introduction of the National Minimum Wages Bill, back to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). These proposed changes are tantamount to rolling back progress made thus far in terms of the rights of the working class. From the thunderous outcry of various key role players, that the consultation process around these laws was flawed, it is clear the government did not do its due diligence. The voices of several unions and union federations were simply not heard. Government leaders like President Ramaphosa, Deputy President DD Mabuza and Minister Gwede Mantashe, whom all have their political careers – and the powers they wield – thanks to their union roots, must surely understand that ignoring key role-players, or putting some before others, is a recipe for disaster. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and big business cannot be the only influencers at Nedlac. The other union federations such as South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) must be given an opportunity to present their views, vent their frustrations and form part of the collective decision. Their participation cannot be denied just because they do not meet a convenient threshold to exclude certain bodies. In addition, a great portion of our national economy and future prosperity rests in small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Therefore, organisations like the Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) must also be represented at Nedlac. The UDM believes that no law must be foisted on an unsuspecting public, especially when it runs the risk of contradicting the constitution and infringes on people’s rights as enshrined in our ultimate law.
Admin
16 Nov, 2017
UDM Deputy President, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, to address annual assembly of the Southeast Asian Nations Parliamentarians
Background Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP (Deputy President and Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement) was invited to – from 6 to 8 October 2017 – participate in a Regional Meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Parliamentarians. The meeting focussed on the use innovative means to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom and to promote democracy and human rights throughout that region (and in fact the world). There was also some focus on protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief, under the auspices of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB). Mr Kwankwa joined a delegation in Bangkok (Thailand) comprised of various leaders of political parties, international diplomats and civil society representatives, as well as ASEAN Parliamentarians and former Parliamentarians from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. The trip included a visit to Nepal (on 9 and 10 October) with time spent on negotiating with the most senior Nepalese public representatives about their people’s civil rights and, specifically, that of freedom of religion or belief. The various interactions with individual leaders and groups, gave Mr Kwankwa the opportunity to, not only learn from their experiences, but to also showcase the South African narrative. To advocate that: bitter adversaries can meet peacefully; to talk, but also listen; to grieve and find reason to again rejoice; to meet each other half-way and, most importantly, to continue working on sustainable democracy in South Africa. South Africa’s model Constitution, which gives expression to, amongst others, our dignity of person; freedom of expression, association and religion; gender equality as well as press freedom, served as a prime example of what is possible in creating, fostering and protecting human rights. Invitation to address APHR Annual Assembly Upon his return to South African, APHR again invited Mr Kwankwa to – this time – address its Annual Assembly to be held from 25 to 26 November 2017 in Phuket, Thailand. The theme is: “The role of African Parliamentarians in creating and fostering a Human Rights Culture in Africa and the World”. Mr Kwankwa will not only make use of this opportunity to promote the ongoing South African project (to assist in the project of creating and fostering a world-wide human rights culture) but also to build partnerships between African and ASEAN Parliamentarians, and others around the world, in building healthy, tolerant and equal societies.
Admin
25 Oct, 2017
#MTBSP2017 Mini-budget: Minister Gigaba is reaping what he sowed
Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba’s maiden Medium-Term Budget Policy speech was unimpressive. In fact, it seemed a mere rehash of his predecessors’ old proposals. He was so non-committal, that there is very little hope that we will soon see agencies rate South Africa higher than ‘junk status’. The reaction of the Rand, to his speech, might be a sign of worse things to come. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes that South Africa’s current debt stands at R2.32 trillion, whilst the 2020/21 forecast is at a chilling R3,4 trillion. Our debt service cost stands at R146.5 billion per annum, with the projected cost (in just three years’ time) at R223.4 billion. This is cause for serious concern. Minister Gigaba’s lukewarm proposals and vague statements did not speak to this existing, nor the looming – even bigger – financial crisis. The reality of the situation is that Minister Gigaba, and therefore the Country, has become the victim of the mess he created whilst he was still Minister of Public Enterprises. The calamitous management of many State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), like Eskom and SAA, happened on his watch. Might Minister Gigaba have been non-committal in today’s speech, because he is walking on egg shells, trying to appease both factions of the African National Congress going to their elective congress in December? The UDM however does commend Minister Gigaba on the steps he has taken to improve governance at SAA. We hope that things change for the better. Regarding SOEs, the UDM had warned in the past that Government’s over-commitment in terms of contingent liabilities is a recipe for disaster. Those warnings were laughed off and we see Minister Gigaba and his department scrambling and wanting to channel funds away from service delivery. What’s the use of doing a people-driven budget, if you don’t stick to it? Minister Gigaba’s commitment, to combat corruption and curb wasteful expenditure, has the credibility of a cat conducting a commission of inquiry into the disappearance of mice. Statement by: Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Deputy President and Chief Whip
Admin
13 Oct, 2017
UDM’s wishes to the matric class of 2017
The United Democratic Movement congratulates the matric class of 2017 for staying the course and, staying in school! Pursuing education will give you significantly more options over the course of your life. Set goals and work hard to achieve them. Past question papers, available on the Department of Education’s website, can help you gauge your preparedness and identify subjects that need more work. Manage you time well and be well rested before writing a test by sleeping seven to eight hours the preceding night. You may be stressed, tired and get distracted, but stay focussed, work hard and persevere. Your success is the country’s success, for you will lead tomorrow and take South Africa forward. As James Allen says about a positive attitude: “Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results”. Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Deputy President and Chief Whip
Admin
22 Jun, 2017
#Concourt: Nqabayomzi Kwankwa writes to the Speaker on secret ballot
Dear Madam Speaker CONSTITUTIONAL COURT RULING ON SECRET BALLOT AND THE MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC We refer to our letter, that was subsequently withdrawn, sent on 3 April 2017 wherein we lodged a motion of no-confidence in the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr JG Zuma. In light of today’s ruling of the Constitutional Court regarding your discretionary power to allow for a secret vote in the motion of no-confidence, we again lodge a motion of no-confidence in the President in terms of Section 102, subsection 2 of the South African Constitution and Section 129 of the Rules of the National Assembly. We call on you to do the right thing and grant an urgent debate, and allow for a secret ballot for a vote of no-confidence in President Zuma. We therefore request an urgent meeting with you to discuss the matter. Yours sincerely Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Chief Whip
Admin
03 Apr, 2017
UDM Chief Whip asks the NA Speaker for urgent debate on President Zuma motion of no confidence
Dear Madam Speaker MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC IN TERMS OF SECTION 102 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA AND SECTION 129 OF THE RULES OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY With his unexplained, and seemingly unilateral, cabinet reshuffle the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr JG Zuma, has effectively relegated the South African economy to junk status. Whether he considered the consequences his decision seems doubtful. South Africans will soon feel the pinch – but ultimately the poorest of the poor will be hardest hit when food, transport and other necessities become unaffordable. The United Democratic Movement adds its voice to that of our colleagues in other parties, and I herewith lodge a motion of no confidence in the President in terms of Section 102 of the Republic’s Constitution, as well as Section 129 of the rules of the National Assembly. Yours sincerely Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Chief Whip
Admin
27 Oct, 2015
Debate on Higher Education Transformation
Address by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the National Assembly Speaker and Honourable Members, We should all take a leaf out of the students’ book because during their protests they were able to rise above narrow sectarian interests to fight for a common cause, something which is becoming rarer and rarer in our national politics. The second lesson is that, apart from other political dynamics that were at play, the rejection of political parties during the student protests, though strategic on the one hand, pointed to a yawning disconnect between political organisations and voters, on the other. Colleagues, It is clear that we have some soul-searching to do. Coming back to the theme of today’s debate, the United Democratic Movement supports the students call for free education and the reasons are as follows: First, government has room to eliminate wasteful expenditure in its Departments, which runs into billions of Rands annually, and to reallocate the money to tertiary education. Second, government should compel universities to be transparent about their cost structures and to identify opportunities for cost cutting. Furthermore, steps should be taken to ensure that institutions of higher learning are transparent about and accountable for their use of public funds. The Auditor General must audit their books. Third, government should redirect and reallocate some of the money that is sitting with SETAS to higher education to make free education a reality, as these SETAS are increasingly becoming employment agencies for the ruling party and its cronies. Fourth, on transformation, Honourable Minister, ensuring access to higher education is only one side of a complex problem. Government should address issues of racism in the sector, of an alienating institutional culture for the majority of students, concerns about the lack of advancement of black academics and general concerns about the language of tuition. While still on the subject of transformation, Mr Minister, I wish to ask you two questions. The first question is: Of the universities that have been placed under administration, how many of the administrators are black? The second question is: How many black consultants have been used by these administrators over the years? Fifth, we propose that the Task Team that has been established to look into the provision of free university education be opened up to civil society organisations and relevant stakeholders in order to ensure that as many stakeholders as possible contribute to the process. Compatriots, The time for political blame game is over! We must now work together to put forward a comprehensive plan that will ensure that, through free university education, our children are able to escape the vicious cycle of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Thank you.
Admin
02 Jun, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 2: Parliament -address by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the NA
Madam Speaker and Honourable Members, A race to the bottom is currently underway in our Parliament. Today in this House, we engage and deal with our Nation’s challenges, less according to national interests and the need to create a better life for all, but more according to cheap political point scoring and vote maximisation at all costs, and mostly according to the primitive doctrine that might is right. This approach causes us to miss countless opportunities to use our People’s Boardroom as an important space in the public sphere for debates and contestation of ideas. As a consequence, we allow debates to degenerate into an orgy of insults and counter-insults; put bluntly, into an orgy of nonsense our nation can ill afford. We have to arrest this problem, if we are to bequeath to our progeny a vibrant Parliament that is a voice of the people, and not one that is thick with the wreckage of failure. Madame Speaker, Recently, I attended a Conference on Illicit Flows, Transfer Pricing and Tax Evasion in Malawi. While at the conference, we got an opportunity to attend the sitting of the Malawian Parliament and discovered the following. Parliaments of Malawi and Kenya always endeavour to give as much speaking time as they can – sometimes even more time – to the opposition than they do to ruling parties. The rationale behind this is that they believe in the principle that: “The opposition must have its say, while the ruling party will (ultimately) have its way”, (through obviously the use of its majority during voting time in times of disagreements). This does not by any means imply that the ruling parties are not given enough time to articulate their policies and programmes, but that opposition parties are also given ample time to articulate their alternative policy proposals and to scrutinize as well as constructively criticise the work of Government. When speakers run out of time, their presiding officers politely request them to wrap up and they give them a minute or two to do so. This greatly enhanced the dignity and decorum of their House. As a result, our counterparts were shocked to hear that Africa’s model democracy (South Africa) gives opposition parties 3 minutes speaking time during Parliamentary debates. They call it a joke! We have to increase the minimum speaking to 5 minutes in debates in order to give us an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to debates, which would enhance the decorum of the House. Madam Speaker, In conclusion, I believe there is scope for our Parliament to partner with Sister Parliaments on the Continent in the campaign against illicit financial flows, transfer pricing and tax evasion, as well as on other African programmes. The UDM supports Budget Vote 2. Thank you.
Admin
24 Apr, 2015
SHOW OF SOLIDARITY – UDM Chief Whip to spend a night at the KZN Camps
Statement issued by UDM Chief Whip Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP Over the past few weeks, South Africa has been engulfed by a humongous wave of xenophobic violence. This has caused untold damage to the image of our country in the African Continent and the world at large. It has, however, been heart-warming and encouraging to see South Africans of all races taking a firm stand in the fight against xenophobia. All the various campaigns have contributed immensely in ensuring the restoration of calm and peace in the country. With the blessing of my President, General Bantu Holomisa and my party, the United Democratic Movement (UDM), I have taken a decision to spend Thursday night (23-04-2015) in one of the Camps that have been set aside for the victims of xenophobia in KwaZulu-Natal. This is because I believe that there is no better demonstration of solidarity than spending time with the displaced African brothers and sisters and having first-hand experience of their plight. We hope this step will give further impetus to the campaign against xenophobia in South Africa. We also hope that this will demonstrate to Africa and the whole world that we are a caring Nation.
Admin
11 Mar, 2014
Farewell and tribute to Mr Trevor Manuel by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP
Mister Speaker, Mister Deputy President and Honourable Members, I am greatly honoured by the privilege to, on behalf of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), deliver a farewell speech to Minister Trevor Manuel. Minister Manuel has been an outstanding servant of the people and as a result, it is impossible for anyone to claim not to know him given the number of lives he has touched during his terms in Office. Mister Minister, When you moved from Trade and Industry to Finance on 4 April 1996, you took charge of the finances of a South Africa that faced a compendium complex of challenges. First, you had to help the Nation to reconcile the conflicting fundamental values between democracy and capitalism in a country, where many people did not believe that the two could coexist harmoniously. Democracy, as you know, puts emphasis on producing political accountability and on joint interests and equality, while capitalism entails the seeking of one’s own self interests. Through your outstanding leadership Sir, you proved that the two could exist side-by-side when capitalism was given a more humane face. Second, you took charge of the Finance Portfolio of a country that had limited resources and whose people were still deeply polarised along racial lines and whose socio- economic inequality levels were high due to the misguided policies of the past. Working under the ruling party Government, you adopted income redistribution policies which sought to achieve political and social stability in order to provide a secure context for economic growth. Though the needs and demands of the country were numerous, your idealistic approach to meeting our challenges was invariably imbued with a deep sense of pragmatism. You always ensured that in modernising our economy the policy choices and responses Government made were proportionate to circumstance and were sustainable. Nowhere is this more succinctly captured than in the legacy of fiscal prudence you left the Finance Portfolio. Mister Speaker, When I met Minister Manuel at the Union Buildings more than a year ago during public consultations on the National Development Plan (NDP), he came across as a leader who was willing to sublimate his individual interests to those of the collective. I was truly inspired by the humility and the outstanding leadership qualities of this intellectual giant. It is therefore not surprising that he leaves behind the National Development Plan (NDP) as one of his shining legacies. Fellow South Africans, As young people, the best farewell we can give to Minister Manuel is peace of mind that we too will leave South Africa in an even better condition for both current and future generations. Farewell son of the soil. South Africans of all races are going to miss your outstanding leadership qualities in the public sector and your sheer dedication to your job. You have served our Nation with distinction! However, given your skills, knowledge, expertise, the love and respect the people have for you as well as how much they still desire your services – as Abe Lemons once put it: “The trouble with your retirement is that you will never get a day off.” Thank you.
Admin
24 Dec, 2013
Tribute to the late former President Nelson Mandela
Tribute to the late former President Nelson Mandela delivered on behalf of the UDM in the Joint Sitting of Parliament on 9 December 2013 by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP Mister Speaker, Deputy President, Honourable Members, Distinguished Guests and Fellow South Africans, From the outset, let me apologise for the absence of my President, Mr Bantu Holomisa in today’s joint sitting. Mr Holomisa was unable to make it due to being busy with the funeral arrangements of our late former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. On behalf of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), I wish to join the millions here at home and abroad in extending our heartfelt condolences to the family, the African National Congress (ANC) and friends of the late former President Mandela. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. In fact, words seem inadequate to express how sorry we are for your loss. Fellow South Africans, We are gathered here to undertake the sad duty of bidding farewell to an outstanding leader of the 20th century, the father of our Nation, our struggle icon and the first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa, the late Dr Nelson Mandela. Tata Madiba – as he was affectionately known – spent 27 years in prison fighting gallantly in order to ensure that you and I can enjoy the freedom and democracy that he and his generation of heroes and heroines did not enjoy. To Tata and his generation, no price was too high for the liberation of the peoples of Africa. This turned him into a repository for all the hopes and aspirations of our people- a duty he discharged with distinction. When Tata came out of prison, he displayed an amazingly high capacity for forgiveness, which at times brought a look of complete incredulity in the faces of those who believed that we did not have it in ourselves to transcend our divisive political past. Tata was however undeterred by this. He continued to epitomise the values of non-racialism, reconciliation and service to the people. Under his sterling leadership, we demonstrated to the whole world that we too were capable of building a winning Nation, united in our diversity. In the words of former President Thabo Mbeki and I quote: “Madiba pre-eminently represented a generation of the Titans that pulled us out of the abyss and placed us on a pedestal of hope on which we continue to rest.” End quote. Mister Speaker, Madiba was a man of integrity, whose humanity and compassion inspires us greatly and will continue to inspire us, and future generations, for many years to come. John Maxwell’s apt description of integrity, in his book, The Four Pillars of Leadership, captures the essence of the values that Tata Madiba espoused during his lifetime, when he says and I quote: “Integrity commits itself to character over personal gain, to people over things, to service over power, to principle over convenience, to the long view over the immediate.” The outpouring of grief after Tata’s passing, the likes of which are rarely seen, bears testimony to this and also clearly demonstrates that he was not only thought of as just the father of our Nation, but as one of the greatest leaders and outstanding heroes of the 20th century. Honourable Members, One of Tata’s facets of leadership which also deserves mention here today was his willingness to listen and learn from people from all walks of life. Growing up in deep rural parts of the Eastern Cape during Tata term and watching him in action, I was always inspired by his ability to listen to opposing views and his courage to admit when he was wrong. We should learn these important values of tolerance and humility from Tata, as they will help us in our efforts to revive his and Bishop Tutu’s vision of building a Rainbow Nation. Fellow South Africans, The passing of Tata, sad as it is, provides us yet another opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the distance we have come. It should remind us that our hard-won liberty is built on a contrasting tale of men at their most evil and most heroic, and where like everything else in life, the good emerged victorious over the bad. This is one victory that we must never betray or squander. In this regard, the best present we can give to Tata Madiba is to preserve his legacy by espousing his values and ensuring that the torch of freedom and democracy, for which he courageously fought, continues to burn. In his eloquent words, we should ensure that: “The sun never sets on so glorious a human achievement.” Lala ngoxolo Yem-yem, Ngqolomsila, Sophitsho, Vela Bembhentsele, Madib’ iindonga. Ugqatso lwakho ulifezile. Aaah, Dalibhunga! Aaah, Dalibunga! I thank you.
