Mr Thanda Dingila dedicated his life to politics. He recognised that politics is about a conflict of interests, ideas and points of view. History gives us ample proof that while people oppose one another on the basis of those conflicts, democracy is the house in which we can express different agendas without fear of intolerance, intimidation or death. It is the very reason why we have chosen to build this house in South Africa. As we lay brick upon brick, we are establishing an edifice in which we may finally find peace in our diverse country.
Peace is the prerequisite for stability and stability the forerunner of prosperity.
Mr Dingila knew these things. They were the things he lived for and, sadly, also those he died for. My heart is deeply troubled today. I cannot find expression for the frustration I feel in knowing that the many years Mr Dingila struggled were all in vain. While the legacy of his work will prompt us to take up where he left off and increase the good he has done, all that he worked for has been turned against him.