Thank you, Chairperson. While the law was being implemented, we were more than happy to accept people from other parties who wanted to join the ANC. We have always said - and we genuinely believe this - that the policies and value systems of the ANC are wonderfully persuasive. To put it in another way, the ANC has excellent policies. In instances where people generally believed in the policies of our organisation and if there were some years to go before the next elections, we were always more than happy to accept them as members in our organisation in terms of floor-crossing legislation. But now, of course, they will have to wait. But I am sure they will understand.
We understand and accept that the scrapping of the legislation will take us back to the position we were in prior to 2002. Where were we prior to 2002? Well, simply this: In terms of the amendments that are under discussion here today, and I have referred to this, members can no longer join other parties without losing their seats, unless they resign. We also understand that an existing political party will no longer be able to merge with another political party and all that goes with that. We are comfortable with that.
In conclusion, I would like to say how proud I am to witness our young democracy preparing itself to take another giant step on a journey that I am convinced will ultimately lead to the building of a truly great country. Make no mistake, floor-crossing legislation has tested the commitment of our country to democracy. The legislation offered us choices. It said to us that now was the time to look to the future. We must decide which direction we want to move in. In opting to support the amendments to floor-crossing, I am thrilled to say that, so far, we have made wise choices. I thank you. [Applause.]