Madam Deputy Speaker, hon Ministers, Deputy Ministers and hon members, it is a great honour and privilege for me to stand here on behalf of my party and its president, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, at this important moment and occasion in the life of our retiring Serjeant-at-Arms, Mr Godfrey Cleinwerck.
Since I was elected House Chair for Internal Arrangements by Parliament three years ago and Chair of the Quarterly Consultative Forum, I have worked very closely with Mr Cleinwerck on matters of fundamental interests that must enhance the performance of all the Members of Parliament. I must say that he has been extremely helpful to our office in many ways. I am quite sure that the capable team that he has so ably led in the renewal of the workings of the tools of trade in Parliament ...
Let me pause there just for a while. We are now saying "tools of trade". I think I've heard that hon Ellis will be changing this in different ways because we have always heard members saying, "My thing does not work," or jumping up and saying, "My thing is not working," when in fact, Mr Cleinwerck, they meant that the microphones and the voting gadgets were defective.
But hon Ellis knows this, as we worked together with him and hon Frolick on the task team where these things were called the tools of trade. I am not sure whether members will be happy now to say, "My tool doesn't work!" [Laughter.] That would be shocking! So the tools of trade include the installation of new chairs; one for the Speaker - I think people who knew the old one did not realise that this is a new chair - and several other chairs for the judges and departmental officials, including microphones, etc. I am confident the team will ensure that Mr Cleinwerck's good work continues and that he is remembered by all of us and generations of MPs to come.
I believe I also share the sentiments of the speakership, Members of the National Assembly and officials within the precincts of Parliament, including security, when I say to you, sir, that your big personality, your lovable humour and godly humility will surely be missed. May you enjoy your retirement years with your beloved family, and may the Almighty continue to bless you. I thank you. [Applause.]