Speech by Hon. B.W. Dhlamini
IFP Gauteng MPL
Honourable Speaker, on behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), I wish to extend our deepest and most profound condolences to Honourable Lindiwe Jane Lasindwa’s family, friends, and her comrades in the ANC.
I joined the legislature in 2010 and soon thereafter I came to know the strong, kind, and friendly human being that was the Hon. Lasindwe. We became friends, along with others, such as the now late: Thuli Nkabinde-Khawe; Joyce ‘MaJoy-Joy’ Pekane; Rose Gudlhuza; and Nokuthula Sikhakhane. As a group of friends, our boisterous laughter would echo throughout the corridors of the Legislature and one would swear that we did not come from opposing political parties.
As painful as it is to reconcile with the sudden passing of my friend Lindi, I take comfort in the fact that she will be reunited with those familiar faces from our GPL circle of friends, her comrades, and her recently departed son, who are all in in heaven. I can only imagine what a joyful and heavenly reunion that is.
In times like these, we are often left speechless and numb with grief. This is how we felt immediately after receiving the devastating news of Honourable Lasindwa’s untimely passing. It is true that despite knowing that we are mere mortal beings, death remains strange and painful to accept, or to prepare for the unimaginable loss that comes with it.
The loss is immeasurable and multifaceted. It is the loss of a mother, sister, friend, comrade, colleague, and community leader. Our province, its people, and this Legislature are all left poorer, without the fiercely independent, courageous, fearless, and uncompromising voice of Honourable Lasindwa. One of her strongest characteristics was being able to hold the Executive – her fellow comrades in the governing party – to account, in carrying out their elective mandates to voters, particularly the destitute and marginalised members of our society. This was palpable in her defence and empowerment of women, youth, and minority groups in the Legislature.
In 2009, when she was appointed as the chairperson of GEYODI, the Honourable Lasindwa set up a task team at the Legislature to conduct a study on accessibility into the Legislature building for people with disabilities. That study resulted in infrastructure upgrades, providing access to people with disabilities. She also advocated for this inclusive practice to be adopted in all areas of the economy and workplace. That was just one of the many ways in which she contributed towards making a positive difference in the lives of the most vulnerable citizens in our society. It will forever be remembered as one of the most remarkable features of her legacy at GPL.
This is yet another reason why I agree with the words of Roman poet, Quintus Ennius, who once said, and I quote: “Let no one weep for me or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouths of men.”
Thus, the Honourable Lasindwa will certainly live on through the mouths of men and women, as she leaves behind a legacy of commitment, service, and dedication to the people of Gauteng. Her life will continue to serve as an inspiration to many future generations of South Africans.
As the IFP sithi lala ngoxolo MaLasindwa, you provided leadership and exercised power with quiet dignity. Through your selflessness and dedication, through your moral authority and sincere humanity, you built your legacy.
Hamba kahle MaLasindwa sohlala sikukhumbula!
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Contact:
Bonginkosi Dhlamini, MPL
IFP Gauteng Provincial Chairperson
082 565 3571
