Pretoria - Women, Children and People with Disabilities Minister Lulu Xingwana has expressed sadness and shock at the untimely death on her special advisor, David Dlali.
The former member of the African National Congress (ANC) and Member of Parliament (MP), Dlali was found dead near his farm in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape on Monday.
"To his family, I wish to say: 'I hope you will find solace in the knowledge that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this moment of grief'," said Xingwana.
She said the best tribute one could pay to Dlali was to remain firm in the commitment to continue building a caring society.
The minister said Dlali had left a large void which would not be easy to fill, adding that the nation and the entire democratic movement had lost a selfless and loyal servant.
"We will forever remember him for always being prepared to go beyond the call of duty to serve the people of our country. His passion for defending those who are vulnerable in our society will remain forever indelible in our memories.
"His family and colleagues can find strength from the fact that he leaves behind a proud legacy of selfless service. It is this legacy that must propel us as we confront the challenges that lie ahead," she said.
Dlali worked as an ANC MP from 2001 until 2009, representing his constituency of Gugulethu Township.
As an ANC MP in the National Assembly, he participated in various portfolio committees such as provincial and local government, minerals and energy and defence.
He also served as an ANC leader in the Western Cape and was an Umkhonto We Sizwe underground operative.
He occupied various leadership positions in the Western Cape ANC structures, including as a member of the Provincial Executive Committee and Chairman of the Dullar Omar region.
