The Presiding Officers of Parliament, Speaker Baleka Mbete of the National Assembly and Chairperson Thandi Modise of the National Council of Provinces, have expressed shock at the passing-on of Dr Zola Skweyiya yesterday 11 April 2018 in Pretoria.
The Presiding Officers urged people to brace themselves for a difficult period of losing their beloved struggle stalwarts, pioneers of a new South Africa, champions of human rights, and lifelong activist for development such as Dr Skweyiya. He made an indelible mark in the struggle for freedom, contributed immensely in bringing down apartheid and colonialism, went on to help in setting up a people’s Parliament, and spearheaded the development of a modern public service and the current social security system that caters for 18 million needy South Africans.
At this moment of loss, pain and reflections on a life well lived, Parliament urges South African to take solace from the fact that Dr Skweyiya gave it all in service to the people he loved. “We should celebrate his outstanding life and the legacy he left behind for the current and future generations to enjoy a better life,” said the Presiding Officers.