[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2108-E2109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DERRICK MOYO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life 
and career of Derrick Moyo, who served lately as the Deputy Chief of 
Mission at the Embassy of South Africa here in Washington, DC.
  Born Diederrick Moyo in Soweto on September 13, 1962, Derrick passed 
away just 3 days shy of his 46th birthday on September 10th of this 
year. His early passing has deprived not only the Republic of South 
Africa, but the United States and the rest of the world, as well, of 
his passion for democracy and peace.
  He is survived by his parents Josiah and Doreen Moyo, his siblings 
Mary and Ernest and, his two children, Itumeleng and Tshiamo. His 
family has already had to endure another early loss to their family, 
with the tragic passing of his wife Mingy several years ago.
  An avid scholar with a thirst for knowledge, Derrick was awarded a 
bachelor of social science degree by the University of Cape Town with 
majors in social anthropology, industrial sociology and international 
politics. Additionally he undertook specialized courses in diplomacy, 
Foreign Service and management, studying at renowned institutions 
including the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Howard 
University, the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi and the Irish 
Institute of Public Management.

[[Page E2109]]

  While studying, Derrick embraced the democratic cause and led the 
Student Representative Council of the University of Cape Town as their 
vice president. Later he broadened his fight to the national level and 
guided South Africans as the Vice Chairman of the African National 
Congress's Claremont branch. Ultimately, Derrick's unfailing commitment 
to achieving freedom and justice in his native South Africa forced him 
into exile during the height of the Apartheid era.
  Even in exile Derrick's faith and determination never strayed, and 
when he was free to return to his homeland he began his diplomatic 
career in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Initially assigned to the 
Regional Economic Organisations Desk, he was quickly promoted to work 
on the United Nations General Assembly and United Nations Security 
Council Desks.
  While working at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Derrick's 
interest and devotion to the cause for peace culminated in the seminal 
discussion paper, ``South Africa's Participation in Peace Support 
Operations.''
  Always faithful to South Africa, Derrick began his Foreign Service 
career in 1997 as the Counselor and Deputy High Commissioner at the 
South African High Commission in Canada. Later he was asked to serve as 
the Consul-General of South Africa in Brazil.
  In 2005, Derrick assumed his final post as the Deputy Chief of 
Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Washington, 
DC.
  It was in this final position that Derrick again labored diligently 
for justice, this time with my staff on the House Foreign Affairs 
Committee to draft the historic legislation that removed the ANC and 
its venerated leader, President Nelson Mandela, from the United States' 
list of terrorist organizations.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in a 
moment of silence in commemoration of Derrick Moyo for his tireless 
service to the cause of peace, democracy, freedom and justice. His life 
will be remembered with respect and admiration.

                          ____________________