Sihlalo, namalungu ahloniphekile ... [Greetings, Chairperson, as well as the hon members ...]
... as I stand to respond, I would like to thank all the hon members who participated in this historic debate that was on the establishment of the National Youth Development Agency. Thank you very much to all of you for supporting the Bill.
I would also like to thank all those who assisted us in ensuring that we are where we are - finalising this debate on the Bill. I am sure all of us are now very ready for its implementation.
Sihlalo wekomidi, ngiyabonga kakhulu ukuthi usikhumbuze umlando wethu womzabalazo ikakhulukazi ukusikhumbuza ngeqhaza elikade libanjwe abantu abasha emzabalazweni. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[Chairperson of the committee, thank you very much for reminding us about the history of our political struggle, especially with regard to the role that was played by the youth in the struggle.]
Hon Watson, I noted your response to the chairperson. But I would like to say that this is our history - the reality of who we are, where we come from and what our aspirations are as a nation towards nationhood. I would also like to thank you for confirming our nationhood as South Africans. All of us would like to see a united nation. Thank you very much.
Allow me to also thank you for reminding me about parliamentary processes. Yes, the Bill is here before this House for concurrence. Thank you very much for reminding me. It was very kind of you.
Chairperson, let me just say a few words before I sit down. Ms Mchunu, of course it is true that for the National Youth Development Agency to succeed all social partners are expected to play a role: families, communities and all South Africans, especially those holding positions of power in parastatals, training institutions, religious organisations, organised labour and community development institutions, as well as those in the private sector. So, all of us are expected to play a role to ensure that this agency succeeds.
Just before I sit down, let me take this opportunity to thank the young people for having come out in their numbers to register to vote and to also remind them that there is still another opportunity that has been earmarked for registration. But they can still continue to register even before February.
I would like to make just two announcements. Firstly, from the 17th to the 19th of next month, we will hold a youth indaba, where we intend, yet again, to speak on the National Youth Policy. We will also profile the work that has been done by the National Youth Service. I am convinced that soon thereafter we will release the National Youth Policy for public comment so that we can work on a document that has been widely consulted upon as it is the nature of this government to do so in its operations.
Before I sit down, may I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Don't drink and drive. Live healthy lifestyles. I hope to see you next year. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Bill agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.