We have learnt with sadness the passing of the stalwart of our democracy, Mr Aziz Pahad. The sad news of his passing has rocked South Africa as the country hosts the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Gauteng, which among other things aims to deliberate on the nexus between foreign policy and parliamentary diplomacy.

As a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Policy, Mr Pahad played a pivotal role in forums similar to this, and the country’s international relations portfolio. His record of contribution to peace building initiatives also speaks for itself.

We are privileged to have had a leader, diplomat, and public servant of his calibre. We continue the journey of serving our democratic country standing on the shoulders of giants such as he, who laid a solid foundation for us to continue elevating South Africa and the African continent to unprecedented levels.

May his family and close friends be comforted as they navigate this difficult time, and we wish him a peaceful rest.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE SPEAKER