Madam Speaker:
Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again and again after moments or lifetimes is certain for those who are friends"
This is a quote from Richard Bach.
As we sit here in the House, looking forward to the break, it is important for us to take a minute to reflect whether we did indeed add value to the theme of this year.
Sijulile yini ngengxoxo? [Have we deepened the debate?]
Public deliberation in this House and in our infant democratic state is crucial. In order for that public deliberation to take place we as opposition parties need to be able to be part and parcel of that process. That begins with us as the opposition not being gagged and by allowing us to actively participate and contribute to a meaningful discussion. We can only do that by being given the forum to talk and the contribution would be the deepening of democracy. This means reviewing the practice of the one minutes and the two minutes.
I would like to wish all the hon members, the parliamentary staff and the entire parliamentary family a peaceful, relaxed and enjoyable holiday.
Izwe lonke libe nempilo enhle, ehlanzekile, enenqubekela phambili. Siyabonga. [The entire country should have good quality of life that is prosperous. Thank you.]