Cape Town - It was a bitter-sweet atmosphere in the Western Cape legislature on Tuesday, as memories of the DA’s chief whip Lorraine Botha, a mother to many, were shared.
Botha’s life was celebrated on Tuesday during a memorial service in the Chamber Building in Wale Street.
The service was also live streamed for those unable to attend in person. The legislature came to a standstill with all legislative activities suspended during the service.
Botha served as a DA MPL for nearly a decade. She died suddenly in her office on August 31.
It is believed she suffered a heart attack.
Angelo Maistry, Botha’s nephew, said the attendance of people from all walks of life demonstrated the role and impact his aunt had on people’s lives.
“To some she was a colleague and an aunt, but to us, her family, she was our mother.
“We have created so many memories by spending time together, including lunch dates.
“She lived her life to the fullest, always happy and called a spade a spade.
“None of us thought we would be here, heartbroken today, because we buried uncle Johan (Botha’s husband) last year.
“She lived by the quote ‘A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part’.
“She was intelligent, witty and gracious.”
Botha had been an MPL since 2014 and served in different capacities during her time, including chairperson of various committees and more recently as the chief whip of the majority party in the province.
Premier Alan Winde said Botha was a dear friend and colleague.
“She has given her life to so many people whether through education or as a public servant.
“We are so grateful for her life and we thank you Lorraine for what you have meant to so many of us over the years.
“Thank you also to the family for the time you have given to Lorraine to spend servicing the citizens.”
Speaker Masizole Mnqasela said they were remembering a person who spoke her mind.
“At times being alone is standing for the truth, in the fight for the poor, the voiceless and downtrodden.
“Madame Chief Whip, you have served the Western Cape provincial parliament, the people of the province and South Africa with a great sense of dignity, dedication and distinction. We remember you for your soft, candid and instructive voice.”
Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC Reagen Allen, who was the programme director, said: “Lorraine, a leader, you could go to war with whether it was against crime, unequal education at times or perception.
“If it wasn't for her life many of the younger members of the house would have not been here.
“She was a mother figure to many.
“We have always seen her dedication and compassion.
“She has played a role in the lives of young people in Manenberg, Elsies River and across the province.
“She would have wanted us to celebrate her life more than anything and be strong.”
Cape Times