Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to all these tired members who have waited until 18:00 to adjourn for the year. I am very hesitant to refer to candles and cakes in view of who is in the Chair at the moment. May I say this: If you people really want something to work, bring a cake into the House, because I have been notified that I will surely see President Mbeki.
Yet another year is over, Madam Deputy Speaker - a hard year in which we worked hard. I want to contribute by saying we want to go home. I am not going to use all my five minutes. I am dedicating three minutes to you and I am only going to speak for two minutes.
I believe that these end-of-the-year speeches close the door on any conflict or unpleasantness that we have experienced. I believe it is a golden opportunity for Members of Parliament to be just human beings for a while and forget about our political differences, our conflicts and our criticisms against one another. This is the opportunity to just be colleagues. We have worked hard and we are going on leave.
Therefore, we in the IFP wish to thank all our colleagues and the parliamentary staff for a year of excellent co-operation, a very successful year. I agree with everything that the hon Mike has said. I am not going to repeat all those thanks.
We wish all our colleagues and the staff a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May you all rest well and return next year, ready to address the challenge of securing a better life for all South Africans, which is the duty of each and every one of us. Be careful on the roads, we want to see you all back next year. Go well, until next time.