Hon Chairperson, I would like to say, ...
... bengicela ukuthi ngithi kwiNkatha Freedom Party dudu akwehlanga lungehlanga.[... condolences to the Inkatha Freedom Party.]
I am standing here before you today having filled the shoes that were generally too big to be filled. The shoes were for some time worn by the outgoing Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip of the Majority Party, hon Mthethwa and hon Andries Nel, respectively. Their guidance on how to tie the shoelaces made it possible for us to assemble here today. To them I want to say: You have done a good job in the Whippery. [Applause.]
On behalf of the ANC, I would like to thank all members of this House for the good work done this year. I would like to thank the Table staff and the Secretary to the NA for the excellent work that they have done. They really go beyond the call of duty to assist in the smooth running of the House. I thank the service officers, all the staff members of Parliament and the staff of the various political parties for their assistance. We would like to thank members of the media for covering our proceedings and debates. We do not always agree with what they say, but we thank them for their work.
The ANC believes in the correctness of our policies, strategies and tactics. However, in the same breath, we also believe in constructive engagement which does not exclude criticism. The ANC believes that we learn more from mistakes than from success because he who has never made a mistake cannot make a discovery. This Parliament is an important body that allows us to learn from one another. In the process we say things that might hurt others. These things are not personal.
Let me highlight some of the important achievements of this Parliament since 1994. This Parliament has been led by women Speakers in an excellent manner. [Applause.] Leaders of various parties in this Parliament are women. We have increased the number of women chairpersons and whips in this Parliament since 1994.
The number of young people and people living with disabilities has increased since 1994. After the general election the ANC will ensure that 50% of the ANC public representatives and members of the national executives will be women. We are challenging all parties in this House, and those who want to be elected to this House, to do the same or even more.
This House has passed very progressive legislation such as the money Bill, the Child Justice Bill and many others that will change the course of history forever. We have been part of the initiative of promoting peace and democracy in Africa and in the rest of the world. These successes could only be achieved because of the commitment of all of us to create a better society.
The Freedom Charter declares that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white. No government can just claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people. It is because of the will of the people that we are here today. It is because of the will of the people that we are the majority party.
It is because of the will of the people that there are minority parties, and we respect their right to be here and we will defend to the death their right to differ with us. We know that they will defend to the death our right to articulate and defend our policies as the majority party. This forces us into a healthy co-existence to build our democracy.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate members of this House and those who have been appointed in terms of section 193 of the Constitution, who have been appointed to the Cabinet. We would also like to congratulate the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker and all other members who were given positions of responsibility during the term ending next year - and that includes members of the opposition.
We differ ideologically, tactically and strategically, but we are not enemies. We should not be enemies. [Applause.] We are just friends who see a society which we want to create differently. Let us all campaign vigorously but fairly. Our democracy is becoming stronger every day. As we go into recess and the constituency period we will miss the jokes of hon Van der Merwe and hon Dennis Bloem and of many others. [Applause.]
Our wish is that everybody would come back from the opposition parties after the elections, but that is not possible because as the ANC we are going to increase our majority. [Applause.] Unfortunately, that has implications for some of us.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Do not drink and drive. As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, we must also remember that there are those in our country, in Africa and in the rest of the world, who go to bed without food. We must remember that there are those who die of treatable diseases because they have no money to buy drugs.
There are those who are being killed in civil wars. Let us redouble our efforts to build a caring nation. The contribution of each and every one of us is a victory for humankind. Let us go and be soldiers to implement the Freedom Charter. We part to meet and meet to part. Let us meet again and let joy be our watchword. Hambani kahle, tot siens. Goodbye. [Applause.]