Date: 09/08/2004
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government
Title: E Godongwana: Farewell to late Des Halley
MEC GODONGWANA BIDS FAREWELL TO GREAT GIANT OF STRUGGLE, 9 August 2004
In life of every nation there are men who leave an indelible and eternal stamp on the history of their peoples; men who are both products and makers of history, and when they pass they leave a vision of a new and better life and the tools with which to win and build on it.
Des Halley is such a man. The ANC-led revolutionary alliance and the Democratic Movement as a whole of which Des was part, dips its banner in honour of this outstanding patriot and a man of the people. A man of the people, whose love for his community is demonstrated by his enduring refusal to leave Buffalo Flats.
The fact that he lived within this particular community did not make him lose sight of the strategic objective of our movement. That strategic objective is to unite the people of South Africa. Even after his death he continues to do so. His death has been felt by everyone in Buffalo City across racial lines and across political divide. He commanded support and respect of all of us.
He was a disciplined cadre of the movement. He understood the policy of the movement and was able to apply it under all conditions. He constantly sought to improve his capacity to serve the people. He was above reproach in his political conduct.
In him we have lost one of the architects of local government transformation. This is the sphere of government that is closest to the people. Most of us underestimated the strategic importance of local government. It is through the perseverance and unwavering commitment of leaders such as Des that this sphere of government is attracting the necessary attention.
Des was not only a politician but also a competent and efficient administrator. Those who knew him would attest to the fact that Buffalo City was in his fingertips. He was available 24 hours a day. This is testimony of his readiness to make the necessary sacrifices in pursuit of the objectives of a better life for all. He was humble and accessible to people of all walks of life.
Des was committed to the upliftment of Buffalo City and its residents. It is not surprising therefore that he had more first hand knowledge of the economic and developmental imperatives of this city than many of us. Those of us, who had the privilege to serve with him, will find it difficult to think about economic development without him.
Des was a devoted Christian. It is not only that he believed that the ultimate salvation of men is believing in God, but also that religion provides moral foundation on which our society is built.
Des was a caring husband and father. We wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to Angie and the children. Time does not allow me to chronicle all Des's achievements. We are correct to feel a great sense of loss at the departure of so great a leader of our movement and our people as Des Halley.
We have lost a valuable guide, with a great wealth of experience, on whom we could call for advice as we grapple with the challenges of local government transformation that we face very day.
As we bid farewell to this great giant of our struggles, Des Halley, all of us have a duty to try as best as we can to emulate him in doing all the things that are necessary to give effect to the express commitment to serve the people of South Africa, as he did, without seeking any rewards.
Issued by: Provincial Treasury, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
9 August 2004
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (www.ecprov.gov.za)
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government
Title: E Godongwana: Farewell to late Des Halley
MEC GODONGWANA BIDS FAREWELL TO GREAT GIANT OF STRUGGLE, 9 August 2004
In life of every nation there are men who leave an indelible and eternal stamp on the history of their peoples; men who are both products and makers of history, and when they pass they leave a vision of a new and better life and the tools with which to win and build on it.
Des Halley is such a man. The ANC-led revolutionary alliance and the Democratic Movement as a whole of which Des was part, dips its banner in honour of this outstanding patriot and a man of the people. A man of the people, whose love for his community is demonstrated by his enduring refusal to leave Buffalo Flats.
The fact that he lived within this particular community did not make him lose sight of the strategic objective of our movement. That strategic objective is to unite the people of South Africa. Even after his death he continues to do so. His death has been felt by everyone in Buffalo City across racial lines and across political divide. He commanded support and respect of all of us.
He was a disciplined cadre of the movement. He understood the policy of the movement and was able to apply it under all conditions. He constantly sought to improve his capacity to serve the people. He was above reproach in his political conduct.
In him we have lost one of the architects of local government transformation. This is the sphere of government that is closest to the people. Most of us underestimated the strategic importance of local government. It is through the perseverance and unwavering commitment of leaders such as Des that this sphere of government is attracting the necessary attention.
Des was not only a politician but also a competent and efficient administrator. Those who knew him would attest to the fact that Buffalo City was in his fingertips. He was available 24 hours a day. This is testimony of his readiness to make the necessary sacrifices in pursuit of the objectives of a better life for all. He was humble and accessible to people of all walks of life.
Des was committed to the upliftment of Buffalo City and its residents. It is not surprising therefore that he had more first hand knowledge of the economic and developmental imperatives of this city than many of us. Those of us, who had the privilege to serve with him, will find it difficult to think about economic development without him.
Des was a devoted Christian. It is not only that he believed that the ultimate salvation of men is believing in God, but also that religion provides moral foundation on which our society is built.
Des was a caring husband and father. We wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to Angie and the children. Time does not allow me to chronicle all Des's achievements. We are correct to feel a great sense of loss at the departure of so great a leader of our movement and our people as Des Halley.
We have lost a valuable guide, with a great wealth of experience, on whom we could call for advice as we grapple with the challenges of local government transformation that we face very day.
As we bid farewell to this great giant of our struggles, Des Halley, all of us have a duty to try as best as we can to emulate him in doing all the things that are necessary to give effect to the express commitment to serve the people of South Africa, as he did, without seeking any rewards.
Issued by: Provincial Treasury, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
9 August 2004
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (www.ecprov.gov.za)
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