I can see that. There is constituency work to be done when you get there. It is waiting for you, but at least you will be sleeping at home every day.
Chairperson, hon members, ladies and gentlemen, in his play Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare says: "Parting is such sweet sorrow," and this is exactly how I feel today. I, however, find solace in knowing that we are only parting to meet again. So, we will meet again very soon.
Now, hon delegates, as the 2009 parliamentary year comes to a close, I wish to pay tribute to all the people who contributed to the effective functioning of this House.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the support of the colleagues that I worked with: the Deputy Chair, hon Memela, and the House Chairs, hon Magadla and hon Tau, as well as Chief Whip Ntwanambi, who have been great to work with and have never failed to perform when asked.
Secondly, I also acknowledge the tireless work of the NCOP. Thirdly, a big thank you also goes to all provincial Whips and chairpersons of select committees, as well as members of the NCOP for doing their part to make the business of this House run so efficiently thus far.
Fourthly, I also acknowledge the tireless work of the NCOP Secretariat under the leadership of Acting Secretary Adv Phindela for the support they gave to members of this House, as well as the staff in the office of the Chairperson of the NCOP.
Fifthly, I would like also to thank the staff of the entire Parliament, in particular the NCOP, for the professional and administrative skills in serving the House by compiling Hansard records, processing legislation, questions and petitions and serving select committees. Lastly, I want to thank you very much for all the wonderful work you have done.
As we approach the new year, it is a very appropriate moment to look back on the six months that have passed, where, among other things, the NCOP strategic plan workshop and the Whippery workshop took place that helped to chart the way for us this year as well as for the entire term of Parliament. These workshops have helped a lot as more than two thirds of NCOP members were new and were still finding their feet.
I must say I'm pleased at how quickly members have adapted. I never thought you would adapt so quickly, but I'm smiling: I didn't want to say it. You know, if you count the older members who were here for the last term, I think we are only seven. But I must congratulate you that you learned very fast. I can go back to all your parties and say you are doing a really wonderful job. [Applause.]
I can go back to all your provinces and tell them that they deployed people who are prepared to work and who are serious about making the work of this institution very effective and very prominent. I thank you very much for adapting and learning so quickly. [Applause.] [Interjections.] No, including hon Bloem. [Laughter.]
Ladies and gentlemen, I do not want to waste your time; all I want to say is thank you for the work you have done during the provincial week. Mr Watson, we investigated your matter and the letter is on its way; I don't want us to part in a sour mood. You must go home and enjoy. I have also investigated the matter, and you will be receiving your letter very soon in your office. But all of you have done a really wonderful job. Every delegation reported that it was wonderful work that you have done. Despite the challenging times this year, especially with our budget, the accomplishments were satisfying.
I want to express my personal and heartfelt thanks to all of you for maintaining your balance, your sense of humour, your fortitude and most of all your humanity throughout the challenges of the year. You kept your focus even in uncomfortable situations or circumstances, such as when you worked late into the evening, like last Tuesday, when we had to pass the National House of Traditional Leaders Bill and the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Bill.
I am sure that the people of South Africa, especially the traditional leaders, appreciate the work that you have been doing.
Now you should relax. Please! I emphasise this, relax and enjoy your well- earned rest as much as possible with your families. They need you because they haven't seen you for the past six months, because you've been packing your bags when you reached home and going to your constituencies which are far from your own homes.
I hope we will come back next year fully recharged and ready for the full year. I must warn you, though, that the programme for next year will be compact, as you know that we are hosting the Fifa World Cup. You must also go to the stadiums and watch the football. Do not just sit in front of your TVs; go there and clap and shout, at the stadium, to motivate Bafana Bafana so that they can move and win next year's Fifa World Cup.
As you rest, please prepare for the coming year. Keep on supporting Bafana Bafana, starting with the match tonight against Jamaica. I hope a lot of you will be able to see that match. Shout at them from home, except that you must tell them to sing the right national anthem and not to do what they did when the Springboks were playing. [Laughter.] I don't know who motivated them to sing the way they were singing then.
I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and I want to invite you for a very light snack in the Queen's Hall and to enjoy yourself before you go home. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Chairperson, I must apologise to the House, I'm meeting the President of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I'm actually late; I should have been there now, but I will be there in the next five minutes. If you could release me to go and join them there, I will be happy. They are waiting for me. Thank you very much. [Applause.]