Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
07/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2024 06:10
Media Statement: Presiding Officers of Parliament Mourn the Passing of Former National Assembly Secretary, Mr Kasper Hahndiek
Parliament, Monday, 15 July 2024 - It is with profound sadness that the Presiding Officers of Parliament, National Assembly Speaker Ms Thoko Didiza, and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, express their deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr Kasper Hahndiek, the former and longest-serving Secretary to the National Assembly.
Mr Hahndiek, who retired in 2006 after an illustrious career spanning 36 years, was a stalwart of parliamentary procedure and administration. As the House Secretary, he served as the procedural advisor to the Presiding Officers of the House and played a pivotal role in the administration of the House's business.
Known for his humility, hard work, and passion for ensuring civility, decorum, and rules-based engagement in parliamentary proceedings, Mr Hahndiek was remembered for his consummate professionalism, humility, impartiality, and selflessness during the occasion of his retirement. Political parties across the aisle saluted him for his sharp analytical mind, deep thinking, and problem-solving skills, which he utilised to oversee the evolution and transition of the House.
When the new democratic Parliament came into office in 1994, Mr Hahndiek was at the forefront of the transition process, including the critical task of overhauling the parliamentary rules to align with the new democratic constitutional dispensation. With his trademark humility, admirable neutrality, and deep reservoir of experience and knowledge, he provided remarkable advice and expertise on parliamentary procedures and constitutional governance.
Mr Hahndiek's contributions to parliamentary literature have produced incredible and erudite works on rules and parliamentary procedure, which continue to serve as sources of reference and citation. His expertise was highly sought after, not only domestically but also internationally by other parliaments around the world. Even after his retirement, he continued to volunteer his vast experience and expertise to Parliament over the years.
The Presiding Officers of Parliament extend their deepest sympathies to Mr Hahndiek's family and friends during this time of immense loss. His legacy and contributions to Parliament will forever be cherished and remembered.
Issued by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
Media Enquiries - Moloto Mothapo
Mr Hahndiek, who retired in 2006 after an illustrious career spanning 36 years, was a stalwart of parliamentary procedure and administration. As the House Secretary, he served as the procedural advisor to the Presiding Officers of the House and played a pivotal role in the administration of the House's business.
Known for his humility, hard work, and passion for ensuring civility, decorum, and rules-based engagement in parliamentary proceedings, Mr Hahndiek was remembered for his consummate professionalism, humility, impartiality, and selflessness during the occasion of his retirement. Political parties across the aisle saluted him for his sharp analytical mind, deep thinking, and problem-solving skills, which he utilised to oversee the evolution and transition of the House.
When the new democratic Parliament came into office in 1994, Mr Hahndiek was at the forefront of the transition process, including the critical task of overhauling the parliamentary rules to align with the new democratic constitutional dispensation. With his trademark humility, admirable neutrality, and deep reservoir of experience and knowledge, he provided remarkable advice and expertise on parliamentary procedures and constitutional governance.
Mr Hahndiek's contributions to parliamentary literature have produced incredible and erudite works on rules and parliamentary procedure, which continue to serve as sources of reference and citation. His expertise was highly sought after, not only domestically but also internationally by other parliaments around the world. Even after his retirement, he continued to volunteer his vast experience and expertise to Parliament over the years.
The Presiding Officers of Parliament extend their deepest sympathies to Mr Hahndiek's family and friends during this time of immense loss. His legacy and contributions to Parliament will forever be cherished and remembered.
Issued by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
Media Enquiries - Moloto Mothapo