Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng, leadership of the provincial delegation; the premiers, Speakers and the Members of the Executive Council, MECs, Members of Parliament - I have seen also members who are in the National Assembly in the gallery, former members of this House, distinguished special delegates, our traditional leaders, media houses that are present here, fellow colleagues and comrades, I am indeed humbled to stand here before you today as the Chief Whip of this House in the sixth democratic Parliament. For this, allow me
to express my gratitude to the party, the ANC, for the confidence expressed in my ability to serve the people of South Africa once again.
I also take this opportunity to congratulate our Presiding Officers; Ntate(Mr) Amos Masondo as the Chairperson, Mme(Ms) Sylvia Lucas as the Deputy Chairperson, for their election as stewards of this House and indeed, all of you in your election as members of this august House. It is something should be appreciated for you to be here. Accordingly, this imposes an immense challenge on Parliament as an apex institution of democratic governance to redefine the democratic space. Key to this should be our collective efforts across political allegiances to inspire the confidence of our people in how we execute our constitutional mandate of overseeing the national executive.
Hon members, the renewal of the democratic mandate by our people and the trust that they have entrusted us with, should not be taken lightly. Parliament as an important organ of the representative democracy has to be strengthened to echo the voices of our people and to hold the executive accountable.
As the President has said, and I quote that "The people have spoken." Whilst they did so with polarised allegiances to different political parties, they have however collectively voted for a one democratic Parliament. That is their collective voice in building of a better future for all. The task ahead is indeed difficult and challenging but we will only find glory in how we put the interest of our people above everything else.
In conclusion, allow me to wish all of you once more, the best in your duties as members of the sixth democratic Parliament. It will be indeed a great omission on my part, both as former Chief Whip and as the new Chief Whip of this House, for not acknowledging the sterling work of the former members of this House during the fifth democratic Parliament. Again, allow me on behalf of all of you, to wish them the best in their future endeavours. I thank you. [Applause.]