Chairperson, hon members, first let me join my colleagues in congratulating our colleagues on their new appointments, which they deserve. The end of another year has arrived, perhaps more rapidly than expected because of the many dramatic political and legislative developments that we have experienced.
This year Parliament has succeeded in processing a significantly larger portion of legislation than previously. However, it has come at a price in terms of quality, because I fear that there has been an unseemly rush to process Bills that will later be open to legal challenges and require amendment or redrafting.
Another aspect of this legislative year that we need to take note of is that this year this House has been used by the ruling party to pursue dubious and ill-conceived political objectives by way of legislation. Two particular examples of this occurrence spring to mind: firstly, the disbandment of the Scorpions and secondly, the legislative intervention to remove the SABC Board.
We should probably bid farewell to many of our colleagues in the ruling party benches because one suspects that by early next year they will have resigned in order to pursue their politics under other auspices.
On this note, I want to appeal to all the hon members that we should recognise the need for mature and responsible political contest. It is our duty to ensure that our election campaigns do not degenerate into infantile name-calling, hate speech and the incitement of violence.
At this time of the year, three other important matters require mentioning. While we are in our constituencies we need to help spread the message. Firstly, on 1 December it is Aids Day. It is an opportunity to further raise awareness about the pandemic.
Secondly, the 16 days of activism campaign for no violence against women and children will be underway and again as leaders in our communities, we can help spread this important message. Finally, the holiday is a time for family relaxation but also a time when a large number of South Africans die on our roads. Let us practise and preach road safety, wherever we go. [Time expired.]