Moving tributes for 'Comrade Roy'

The late Minister for Public Service and Administration Radhakrishna Lutchmana "Roy" Padayachie was a politician who put others before himself and did not go after powerful positions.

President Jacob Zuma yesterday told thousands of mourners at Durban's Sahara Stadium that Padayachie and several of his peers had not regarded their activism as warranting top positions.

"They never marketed themselves as possible members of the ANC national executive committee or cabinet. They were happy to work in the background as long as work was done to advance the struggle for freedom and a better life for all."

Padayachie died on Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia .

"We have learnt from him the importance of loving our country and its people, and putting South Africa first in everything we do," Zuma said.

"We have learnt the importance of working for peace and the unity of all our people.

"We have learnt . that all South Africans are important and can make a difference in building a great country."

He said Padayachie was more than a cabinet colleague to him.

"My first encounter with Comrade Roy occurred shortly after my release from Robben Island in December 1973. He drove me to my first medical check-up to ensure that I was in good health."

KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize echoed Zuma's words.

"Roy represented a dying breed of comrade and leader, who cared more for others than themselves, a breed of revolutionary characterised by humanity."

Padayachie was cremated in a private ceremony.