Hon Speaker, hon Deputy President, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers, and hon colleagues, firstly, the IFP wants to thank you, Deputy President, for your honourable, diligent hard-working and straight to the point manner. The IFP appreciates the way you conducted yourself inside and outside the National Assembly, and your own manner of accepting all others despite your high office.
The IFP wants to place on record, sir, that when you were the secretary of the ANC, there was understanding between the IFP and the ANC. Moreover, the understanding that you had, as the leader of your party, with our leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, greatly contributed to making it possible for discussions between these two parties to take place.
On behalf of the IFP, I want to thank you, sir, for many things that we cannot include here because of the time limitations, but we will always cherish your honesty and your integrity.
I would like to make special mention of the dignity and honour your attendance, together with that of members of your party, lent to the funeral of my colleague, the late Mr Ben Skosana, MP. His family were deeply appreciative, especially when you were requested by my leader to say a few words, despite knowing that you were not part of the programme. You did this with the respect that you always maintain in such circumstances towards the leader of our party. Without hesitation, you agreed to speak. I mention this specific event because I want to show the deep understanding you have, personally, of the leadership of the IFP, and the IFP as a whole.
The IFP wishes you well in your endeavours, and hopes that you will be able to leave your legacy of respect and honour for your opponents to those who come after you so that they may follow in your admirable footsteps.
Hamba kakuhle, Mkhuluwa. [Go well, big brother.]
Thank you very much. [Applause.]