Chairperson, I have specially taken a big, beautiful cake to the new Speaker. Both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker ate that cake in the Speaker's office and I am sorry that you didn't even get a crumb of it.
There have been a number of changes. I want to agree with Mr Davidson and congratulate the new Chief Whip and the Deputy Chief Whip, but also I want to pay special tribute to the former Speaker, now Deputy President, Baleka Mbete. Over many years as Deputy Speaker and then as Speaker, she was a big and shining diamond in our parliamentary crown. Thank you, Madam Deputy President, we are proud of you. [Applause.]
To Mr Andries Nel, who is now a presiding officer, congratulations on your well deserved promotion, Andries. [Applause.]
To the new Speaker, Madam Gwen, thank you very much for being the Speaker not only of one political party but of all members of Parliament. [Applause.]
Today is a very special day. It is the last sitting day of the year 2008. It is therefore not a day to criticise, although there might be room for criticism. I am not going to say this, and then, like Mr Davidson, take a few stabs - stabbing below the belt.
We are at the end of yet another year of service to the people of South Africa. I am sure we are all tired and looking forward to a well-deserved rest. And I am sure everyone has done his best including Dr Gawie, the CI governor; you have also worked hard.
Let us therefore pause for a moment on this last sitting day, and let us rather concentrate on fellowship, friendship and goodwill today. Let us today express good wishes, such as that we will all enjoy a well-deserved break as from today; that we will all enjoy a wonderful Christmas with our families; and that the Lord will bring us all back next year to resume our service to the people of our beloved land.
In conclusion, I wish to make a very sincere appeal to all members. After all, we are all colleagues no matter to which party we belong. My sincere appeal is about next year's very important general election. My concern is that there are unfortunately already ominous signs of a very turbulent time ahead.
Therefore, let us all take a specific New Year's resolution; namely, that we will conduct that election in a spirit of ubuntu. [Applause.]
Let us therefore refrain from personal attacks and insults and emotional electioneering. Let us, as members of Parliament and leaders, motivate and impress upon our party supporters to keep cool and ensure a peaceful election. Let us resolve to fight those elections in a manner that will demonstrate to the outside world, and in particular Africa and Zimbabwe, that South Africa has truly became a democratic country in which we respect one another and in which we respect and uphold the values of our Constitution. Let these be our sincere New Year's resolutions. Go well and may God protect you. [Applause.]