Speech by Hon. B. W. Dhlamini
IFP Gauteng MPL
Thursday, 18 May 2023
Honourable Madam Speaker Ntombi Mekgwe,
Honourable Madam Deputy Speaker Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela,
Honourable Premier Panyaza Lesufi,
Honourable Members of the Gauteng Executive Council,
Honourable Members,
Members of the Mpisi family,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Like all of us assembled here today, united in grief and sorrow, the IFP wishes to convey our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, the ANC Caucus, and the South African Communist Party (SACP) to which Honourable Joe Mpisi belonged.
Honourable Speaker, it is claimed that words alone cannot heal wounds or lessen the agony of heavy hearts in times like these. But Joe Mpisi lived a life worth remembering. In doing so, I hope that his family and all of us here will take comfort in the excellent actions, memories, and legacy that Honourable Joe Mpisi has given us.
Today, the IFP remembers Honourable Mpisi as a compassionate and astute leader who never shied away from leadership difficulties. From his earlier career as a trade union leader, until he was elected as a Member of this House in 2014, Honourable Mpisi proved himself as an experienced leader, and a consummate professional, committed to serving many citizens in Gauteng.
He was undoubtedly loyal to his party but not blinded by loyalty. He was never afraid to speak up when he observed citizens being taken advantage of by those in power. He had a stern ability to hold departments to account, urging them to fulfil their mandates and improve service delivery standards in the province. He devoted himself to doing what was right and just for the people of this province. To paraphrase the words of Nigerian poet Chinua Achebe, he understood that as leaders, we cannot sit back and hope things will work out; we must make them happen.
His is a legacy of an extraordinary, dutiful, and disciplined Member of this House that will live on in the memories of this institution for all time. We will remember him for his brilliance, honesty, sincerity, and humility, among many commendable attributes. And not forgetting his smart dress sense. Ebehlezi’ eswenka!
My own memory of Honourable Mpisi is that of our trip to Washington DC last year, where he was cheerful and full of banter. He did not let frailties of age get in the way of enjoying life. He enjoyed life in its entirety, never missing the opportunity to indulge in entertainment and sharing a good laugh while balancing the demands of our work.
The IFP reiterates its sincerest condolences to the Mpisi family, friends, and his comrades in the ANC during this time of profound loss. May the Honourable Joe Mpisi rest in everlasting peace and his contributions to our beloved province and remain indelible. I thank you.
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Contact
Bonginkosi Dhlamini MPL
IFP Gauteng Provincial Chairperson
082 565 3571
