A dark cloud has engulfed our country
Once again, our country is in mourning. Death has robbed us of a committed, humble and disciplined servant of the people, Minister Collins Chabane, who from an early age selflessly devoted his life to the struggle for liberation. It is still too hard to accept; far too painful to process and we cannot believe that he is not with us anymore to join other heroes and heroines of our country, like Moses Kotane, JB Marks, Oliver Tambo, Lilian Ngoyi and utata uNelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Our movement has lost a stalwart, one who represented South Africa with humility and made a tremendous contribution to humanity at large. Although his work on this earth is done, our country still expected a lot from him. We are privileged to have had a cadre of his calibre who excelled and made a resounding difference in every portfolio he held. It is no wonder he has touched so many lives.
It is indeed with heavy hearts that today we have to pay our final tributes and respects to a comrade, a leader of great intellect and courage, and an exceptional man in our country’s political arena. While we as a nation mourn his passing, we can pay him no better tribute than to learn from his life and to remain true to the values that guided his life.
As we shed the tears of grief and disbelief, we take pride in knowing that his life was well lived. His unremitting commitment to our movement and the struggle for a better life for all will remain deep in our hearts. We sincerely thank him for the many sacrifices he has made to build a free and prosperous South Africa.
Our deepest sympathies go to his wife, family, friends, Marimba band Movement, the Presidency, Cabinet colleagues, the African National Congress (ANC) and to everyone who was touched by this life. We trust that you take comfort in these times of great sorrow from the knowledge that millions of South Africans mourn with you.
We also wish to console the families of his protection officers, Sergeant Lesiba Sekele and Sergeant Lawrence Lentsoane, who also tragically lost their loved ones. We mourn with you and share personally in your grief.
May his soul rest in peace
This tribute is sent on behalf of the Hon. Speaker of the Eastren Cape Provincial Legislature: Noxolo Kiviet (MPL)
Enquiries:
Bulelwa Ganyaza, Media Liaison Unit
Tel: 040 608 0234
Cell: 071 642 3490
Fax: 086 268 2809
E-mail: bganyaza@ecleg.gov.za
