his work and who gave all to our portfolio committee and who was not even afraid to tell the truth, even when he knew it would be overlooked by the majority.

It is very sad to bid farewell to a person of this calibre because really, there was still more than we expected from him. The courage and the energy - though soft - he had when he engaged was indeed that of a principal. He was one person who would always say his heart out and was not afraid of criticism, and he was also not afraid to criticise people, especially when that criticism was important.

Mr Sibisi had a much-needed personality which he used to unite. Even in heated discussions in the committee, he would be able to rise and provide solutions. His passion and love for the people is what always brought solutions, and that is one thing that we will miss dearly. We stand here today confident that Mr Sibisi never disappointed because he was really fit for the responsibilities that was bestowed on him and indeed, he delivered to his best.

Finally, we would like to remind the Sibisi family, particularly Mantombela, that God's plans superseded our plans as he has cut Mr Sibisi's life short with us as he had better plans for him away from this world. For that we say, ...

#### IsiZulu :

... alwehlanga lungehlanga.

#### Setswana :

A mowa wa gagwe o robale ka kagiso.

#### English :

Thank you very much, Chair.

Inkosi R N CEBEKHULU: Hon House Chairperson, as the IFP we would like to express our sincere sympathy following the unexpected passing of hon Sibisi, a leader who was wholly dedicated to his cause and the people of this country in the best way that the political climate permitted him. Chair, you will agree with me that as a nation we are experiencing one of the most challenging ends to the year. Throughout 2023, we have seen the untimely demise of some of the sharpest leaders this House has seen since the dawn of democracy. Although deeply saddened by this loss, I also personally feel very privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to serve alongside the hon Sibisi even before his deployment to this House in 2019.

As I stand here today, I call upon other hon members and citizens of this country from all walks of life to not only join me in mourning but also to reflect with me on the contributions of hon Sibisi as not just a politician, but also as a teacher who positively shaped the lives of pupils in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. As this going is proving to get tougher and tougher, I implore all of us here today to stand steadfast in our commitment to serve the citizens of this country, and to do so with honour, truth, transparency, dedication and most importantly, to the best of our abilities as we continue to lead one of the best nations in the world.

Despite all this, let us hold onto the promise of the American proverb which reads that the only ones who are truly dead are those who have been forgotten. In conclusion, may we all remember hon Sibisi for the values he stood and lived for, and may his soul rest in peace. I thank you.

Mrs H DENNER: Hon House Chair, losing a loved one, friend or a colleague is never easy and it reminds one of how short and fragile life actually is. It also reminds us that we should live every day