Chairperson, it is indeed an honour to stand here again today, taking part in this debate on this topic for the seventh year in succession.
At a time like this, I would have loved to reflect on all of my colleagues, both the quiet and the rowdy ones, but I would not be able to do justice to all your unique characters in such a short speech. I would therefore urge you all to take the time that lies ahead and write a book about yourselves so that we can read and cry about you, or maybe read and laugh about you, at our own leisure.
Maybe I can reflect on just a few and ask Hon Toenka Matila to write a book which should definitely be titled Show me the way to Bloemfontein. Hon Lewis Nzimande should write a book on "How to get married twice in one month without considering a divorce"! Hon Michael de Villiers can write a handbook on how to manage 10 motions in one sitting, while hon Willem Faber can pen his memoirs on "There is more to politics than just sport" or maybe "a sport" - I don't know.
Not entirely politically correct, maybe, but hon Papi Tau must publish a book called A chip off the old block, or maybe it is A Chip off John Block, I don't know. And the Chief Whip must undoubtedly write a psychology handbook on how to overcome a fear of Helen Zille.
I would ask the Chairperson to write an Afrikaans book Ek droom van 'n plaas met net my as baas [I dream of a farm with only myself as "baas"] while the Deputy Chairperson of this institution's book must simply be titled Mama of the House. Hon Kenneth Sinclair's book should be titled Getting the best out of all parties, and as for the commissioner sitting there, his biography should be titled From a general to a corporal in one short leap - I mean a "cope-peril" not a "corporal"! And of course hon Bloem must write a book on how to cope with two Copes within one Cope. [Laughter.]
In all sincerity, colleagues, I would like to reiterate what I said about our Chairperson last night and, once again, say thank you to him for his leadership. May he and other presiding officers enjoy a well-deserved rest.
We just hope that we will be able to see more of you next year because we have our work cut out for us, not only with regard to our duties as mandated by the Constitution, but also in building the image of the NCOP and establishing it in its rightful place as the upper House of Parliament, or, as I so often have said, as the national senate.
I have also said that our Chief Whip is one of the most difficult and unpredictable politicians to encounter. Although I enjoy political sword- crossing immensely, I must say here publicly that Nosipho Ntwanambi is a very good Chief Whip. Thank you for listening to suggestions, and particularly for always considering the interests of the members foremost.
I would also like to thank all the staff of the NCOP for all their friendly help and understanding at all times. While I cannot single out any one of them, I must also pay tribute to the Secretary of the NCOP, Adv Phindela. Thank you for guiding the administrative and operative ship of the Council, Mr Secretary, and congratulations once again on your official appointment.
I am sorry that I could not give you a review on all the books that you have to write, colleagues, but I can say that it has been a pleasure working and associating with all of you, be it from the ruling party or the opposition party or the best party. That one is important - the DA, if you didn't realise what I meant.
When we started this term, most of my DA colleagues were newcomers to the NCOP. But we have since bid farewell to two of our members and now we have two more newcomers to the NCOP. So, one old hand along with me is hon Darryl Worth. Therefore, in welcoming the two new kids on the block, hon Theo Beyleveldt and hon Beverley Abrahams, to our DA team, I must once again say that my whole team has been a great one and has done a fantastic job. I thank you all.
May the Almighty Father hold and guide all of you always, and may that beautiful message of Christmas, a message of goodwill among all mankind, find its way into your hearts and all your homes.
And now, on a point of order, Chairperson: I thank you! [Applause.]