Madam Speaker, the previous speakers have expressed words of appreciation and thanks to the staff and all the other people, and we associate ourselves with that.
We have these farewell speeches at the end of every year. But I don't think they should be farewell speeches every year; they must be goodbye speeches because we normally come back. This time, of course, it's a special occasion. We now say farewell to a number of people because it is the end of this Parliament.
To those who are leaving I would like to say to you that no matter which party you represented, you served as an honourable member. You all did your best and served your country with loyalty and dedication. May you continue to be of service in retirement. You have acquired many outstanding skills during your stay in Parliament. You should use those skills when serving your communities.
We are now preparing for elections. In this regard, the eyes of the world, especially Africa, will be upon us to see how we are going to conduct ourselves in the forthcoming elections. We had three elections so far - in 1994, 1999 and 2004. What have we learned? I say we learned much about democracy and tolerance. We learned to respect the will of the people. We learned to behave ourselves properly in conducting elections. There are, of course, exceptions which one can expect, so let us therefore not treat the Julius Malemas as the norm but as the exception. South Africa has become a democratic model for other African states. Let us keep it that way in this election.
At the end of an era, we as colleagues must try for a moment to also reflect on our successes - and there were many during the five years. Together we have finally proved that our Parliament functions in accordance with international parliamentary standards. We have a Parliament to be proud of. Our presiding officers are executing their duties with great objectivity and dignity.
If you would permit me, I wish to add that the IFP is very proud of the exemplary and dignified manner in which our member, Mr Ben Skosana, is fulfilling his duties. Jy doen goed, Ben! [You are doing well, Ben!] [Applause.]
During the five years there were failures too. But today is not the time to dwell on those. It is safe to briefly say that we in the opposition are very unhappy about a few matters such as the recall of Mr Mbeki, the death of the Scorpions, the dismissal of Adv Pikoli and others. But now is the time to say farewell to some and goodbye to others. We in the IFP greet you.
Mr Chauke said "IFP, phansi!" [down with the IFP!] I do not know where he sits. [Interjections.] He has left. I want to say to him that we have a very special message for him and his colleagues in the ANC. We in the IFP will see you on 22 April, and we are going to beat the living daylights out of you. We are going to teach you a lot of lessons. So, we say to you in the ANC: "Ayihlale phansi ibamb'umthetho! Ayihlale phansi ibamb'umthetho! Sengihleli! Sengihleli!" [Sit down, pay attention and obey the command! I am sitting! I am sitting!]