I would like, before adjourning the House, to remind those hon members who might not be aware of this, that I have had occasion to announce that the Secretary to the NCOP has tendered her resignation and will be leaving the NCOP at the end of March.
I had hoped that there would be occasion for members to indicate their words of support or congratulation to Miss Sparg. Unfortunately she is not able to be here this afternoon, as she was taken ill earlier today. However, given that I will not have an opportunity, I would like to say a few words which I hope will be conveyed to her.
In my view Miss Sparg has played a significant role in the shaping of the administration and management of the NCOP. Given the newness of the institution in 1997, it was left to her team, and herself, to find practical ways of defining an institution that would reflect the co- operative governance mandate of our institution.
It is a credit to Marion Sparg's ability that we have gone a long way in succeeding in this objective. One might mention in the last year a number of achievements that she has led: The organisation and development study of the institution, the various research projects that have been carried through on various aspects of the NCOP, the strengthening of the provincial and local government liaison unit, as well as the strengthening of the procedural services unit and the addition of a research arm to it.
I would also like to mention the excellent role she fully plays in much of the writing of the NCOP News, which many of us enjoy across the breadth of the country, our links with Salga, the support to MPs in their training and reception when they joined Parliament after the elections of 1999, and, most importantly in my view, the promotion of staff development. Members will be aware that our service officers' role has changed to a more important growth role, and we are now seeing staff who were primarily service officers and somewhat of messengers now beginning to play a role in administration as junior administrators, and we hope they will grow in that area.
Much of this is due to Marion Sparg, her senior colleagues, the presiding officers, the Chief Whip of the Council, and you, hon members. However, I believe she really has been the linchpin in giving expression to all these matters to which I have referred.
In my own personal capacity I would like to thank her for her contribution. I am, as I have said already, very sad that she is leaving, and I wish her well in whatever new role she is to take up.
You, hon members, will have the opportunity, when she is present, to express your views from the particular provinces that you represent. [Applause.]