Deputy Speaker and hon members, as we come to the end of yet another year it is important that we exchange greetings as we head for the season of joy, peace and giving. Surely, this has been a good year, thanks to the talent and effort of the team. One would ask who the members of the team are.
They are the hon members in this House, the presiding officers - all five of them - the Whips, the chairpersons of committees, and employees of Parliament, from the Secretary to the least of all, the junior members of staff. It is this joint effort of all the above that has made this a good year.
We thank the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker for the leadership they have given. The three House Chairpersons have eased the yoke of the Speaker, and in the process they have enhanced the function of this institution. In gratitude we must, of course, applaud the Speaker for having seen fit to ensure that at her discretion she invited members of smaller parties when she undertook some of her overseas visits.
The Chief Whips' Forum has functioned like a properly lubricated machine despite its size and the varying political philosophies it has to contend with. It has been putting the interests of the country above all. Hopefully hon Louw and his committee will consider granting more time to the other parties in the interests of the country.
Parliament has gone through a gruelling period, taking into account the matter of the Travelgate scandal that still has to be resolved, but we know that no hurdle is insurmountable. We need to note that those who live in glass houses should refrain from throwing stones. Changes that have been brought into being tended to tempt one to feel that, surely, today is better than yesterday and hopefully tomorrow will supersede the rest in brightness.
Thanks to the Table staff, the service officers and the orderlies without whom this House would not function at all. We call on all to ensure that during the festive season we hasten slowly to arrive alive. We in the UCDP wish you all a fine festive season and as we part we say: God be with you till we meet again; Neath his wings securely hide you, Daily manna still provide you; God be with you till we meet again.
I thank you. [Applause.]