Hon Chairperson, hon members, on behalf of Umntwana waKwaPhindangene, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and on behalf of the IFP family, let me start by expressing gratitude to all the hon members and all South Africans who have sent messages of condolences to our leader, to the Buthelezi family and to the IFP family on the passing away of our dear mother, Princess Irene Audrey Thandekile MaMzila Buthelezi. Your words of comfort, your gestures of ubuntu and your reaching out to
Umntwana and his family at this difficult time means a lot to all of us.
As the NCOP wraps up the five years work of this 5th Parliament, the IFP has been proud to have been part of this House and to have made positive and constructive contributions to build our country, entrench our democracy and stabilise the work of this Parliament. The House started the term with one Chief Whip and we are finishing the term with a different Chief Whip. KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, all changed provincial whips in the middle of the term.
When one looks back again, I remember that we started our work with this Hon Chairperson of our council, Hon Thandi Modise, and we are finishing our term with her. Hon Deputy Chair, watch out! I appreciate that you resurfaced on time after your brief disappearance. Next time, we might not wait that long to fill up an empty Deputy Chairperson vacant seat. At least, you made it back on time for you to finish the term.
As we wrap up the work of this parliament this term, the IFP puts the following as some of the unfinished important business: That the division of revenue still does not give fair shares and proportions to the provinces and local governments of our country; that follow ups to
the concerns raised by communities in Taking Parliament to the People programmes have still remained very poor; that petitions select committee work has been very close to being dysfunctional; that follow ups on commitments made by the executive have been very poor; and that the party motions have received very minimal attention and time in the House for debates
Be that as it may, the IFP wishes to appreciate the quality leadership of our Chairperson, her objectivity, her motherly guidance and the quality reflection of experienced leadership. Chairperson, thank you very much! We also wish to express gratitude to the quality leadership of our Chief Whip, hon Mohai. You came in during the middle of the term and tried your best to steer the ship to the right direction.
My friend and colleague, the hon House Chairperson of Committees, hon Jomo Nyambi. Always reflecting a sense of ubuntu in your leadership. Thank you very much for that. One could very easily mistaken and associate your mentorship and upbringing, and that of the Hon Mohai, with Umntwana's mentorship. [Interjections.] The Hon House Chairperson, Mme Dikgale, Ndlunkulu, thanks for always speaking your mind without fear or favour, irrespective of the circumstances. Hon Deputy Chairperson, thank you for your firmness, especially on the issues of observing time
Secretary of NCOP, Adv Phindela, and all our wonderful NCOP staff, the IFP says bravo! The hon Programming Whip, my favourite: If you come back to this House after elections, I would advise members to bring with them their dictionaries to the House whenever you are scheduled to speak. You remain one of the best teachers of terminology politics in this House, especially Marxist terminology. Hon colleagues, and friends in the DA, the ANC, the EFF, the UDM, the IFP says thank you very much for a five years well spent with you all in this House.
As the IFP, we will forever cherish the experiences and memories of this House: The ANC struggling with the proper utilisation of its big numbers in the house; the DA walk outs and opposition just for the sake of it; the always Western Cape vs. South Africa approach to anything; the EFF noises and disruptions meant to capture the attention of the camera; and the Gaehler outbursts. [Time expired.] Utshaba lixesha! We love you all; we honour you all; and we respect you all! Thank you very much Chair. [Applause.]