Hon Speaker, Xhamela. Traditionally, farewells are times for flippancy, as you've just seen. But I believe that they are also times for reflection and reconciliation.
Parliament has closed its deliberations this year during a political phase of divisions. Next year will see the centennial celebrations of the country's most important liberation movement, the first liberation movement in Africa, the ANC. [Applause.]
The spirit of unity can only stem out of truth and political maturity. Truth and political maturity go hand in hand. I was very pleased, Mr Speaker, that last night at your function, the end of the year function, we all received a copy of Madiba's most recent book titled: Conversations with Myself. I believe we need to regain Madiba's spirit of reconciliation and truthfulness.
For instance, that book publishes in full a letter that Madiba wrote to my wife, Princess Irene, not only because he saw her grow up in front of him as a friend of her father and my friend and leader, but because he was protecting me from the harassment of the security branch at that time. As a single document, that letter vindicates the truth about my role in the liberation struggle and dispels 20 years of lies and vilification. This was an important gesture on the side of Madiba to foster truth and reconciliation. And I would like to congratulate you, Xhamela, for the choice of gift to us. Perhaps, during the holidays, members of this House may find the time to read that historical document.
Madiba has given us many lessons in political maturity. The agenda for reconciliation is far from complete, as you saw during the debate on the Protection of State Information Bill, which was debated while I was in Nigeria. The threat of fundamental divisions remains, whether we like it or not. I would like to say, Xhamela, that I am committed to national reconciliation, and that we should leave this Parliament this year in that spirit as we approach the centennial of the ANC.
Some of us will meet tomorrow night to launch the Parliamentary Institute of South Africa, which wishes to be an expression of political maturity by bringing together members of this House across party-political divides, so that we may speak to one another under rules of confidentiality - but not secrecy - and openly share our dialogue with captains of industry, journalists, academics and leaders of civil society. This is a sign of the type of political maturity we must promote in our country.
I know that some members will not believe this, that a couple of weeks ago, the veterans of uMkhonto weSizwe invited me to celebrate with them the birthday of that icon, Oliver Reginald Tambo. I think that is a sign of the maturity I speak about.
I wish you, sir, and Mrs Sisulu, who graced us yesterday at the party, and members of this House and their families, sufficient peace to always hear and follow the dictates of their conscience. Our conscience is the door through which God Almighty guides us. May God be with you and guide you at all times, including the Deputy Speaker, members of staff from the Secretary to Parliament to the least of them. I pray for all of us, colleagues, to allow God Almighty to make His voice heard in a special manner during the upcoming holiday season, so that we may receive guidance in all that we do for the sake of our country. Hambani kahle [Farewell]. [Applause.]