Human beings are by nature sentimental. We like to leave behind traces of our sojourn here on earth. That is why we even go to the extent of creating gadgets such as audio-recorders to record our voices and cameras to capture and save our images for posterity.
As a space inhabited by people, Parliament is therefore affected by such human behaviour. What is different, however, about recording specific epochs of Parliament's lifetime is that we are registering a tiny footprint on a canvas of millions of years of civilisation.
But bear in mind that the small step we take and record in this regard is a significant contribution to the story of mankind. Therefore, I'm honoured that as I make my closing remarks of the proceedings of the National Assembly for the year 2008, I would also be exercising the singular honour and privilege of making reflection on the third Parliament as a whole.
Of course, we know that every institution has its lows and highs, but why concentrate on the bad when millions of South Africans have mandated us here to do only the good in creating a better life for all?
It is for this reason that I shall only give the highlights of the third Parliament, as follows, from the previous to the current juncture: That is, the successful implementation of a travel system for Members of Parliament and their dependants, 2005-06; the establishment of the Parliamentary Group on International Relations, the PGIR 2006; Parliament's participation in the African Peer Review Mechanism process, 2006; the review of Chapter 9 and associated institutions by the ad hoc committee of the National Assembly, 2006-07; the setting up of parliamentary democracy offices in three provinces in 2008; the adoption of a new governance model for Parliament in 2007; the graduation of members from various learning opportunities, including the passing of the French language course by two members of this Parliament, that is hon J Fubbs and the hon C Johnson; hosting sectoral parliaments: the People's Assembly, Women's Parliament and Youth Parliament annually; the ten review publications celebrating Parliament's achievement and challenges since 1994, which were launched in 2007, that is the institutional memory; hosting the 118th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in April 2008; Parliament's ongoing participation in international parliamentary structures, including the Pan-African Parliament and SADC PF; the adoption of a report on the legislative process in Parliament by the Joint Task Team of the legislative process in Parliament for consideration by the fourth Parliament; the adoption by the Joint Rules Committee of the oversight and accountability model produced by the task team on oversight and accountability in 2008; the adoption by both Houses of Rules for the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, 2008; the processing of legislation, three Bills, to end floor-crossing, 2008; the processing of the Financial Administration of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Bill and the Financial Management Parliament Bill 2008; the establishment of the Multi-Party Women's Caucus.
I'm sure that these achievements and many others, which I had no time or space to cite, will give us a spring in our step as we go home to celebrate with our families and constituencies the objectives met and life well led for the year 2008.
As you indulge in all sorts of goodies, spare not only a thought for many South Africans who cannot afford a plate of bread at the end of the day, but give generously where you can to bring a smile to the face of a hungry child, for it is the plight of that child which got you here in this Assembly. Lifting that child from what seems to be a curse would even be more worthwhile than waiting for it to grow up first as a voter before you can even want to consider talking to it.
Hon members, let me also take this opportunity to say a special word of appreciation to officials of Parliament who are forever working hard to ensure that we discharge our duties. I want to thank the Secretary to Parliament, Mr Zingile Dingani, and his team, Mr Michael Coetzee, Mr Tango Lamani, Secretary to the National Assembly, Mr Kamal Mansura, and his team, all the divisional managers and the entire staff of Parliament and the staff in the Speaker's office.