Speaker, hon Mike Ellis has been trying for a number of years to get me to wear a tie. So I thought that it would be fitting to give him that satisfaction today. [Applause.] Hon Ellis has been an institution in this institution. He has served in these benches since 1987 and has left an indelible mark on Parliament.
He was part of the so-called ``Magnificent Seven'' Democratic Party caucus in 1994, and his contribution during that first democratic Parliament helped to lay the foundation for the DA's growth into the powerful political party that it is today.
I first met Mike in the one place you would expect to meet him, namely the opposition bar. He was then, as he is now, an extremely approachable person who is always willing to share his wealth of experience and strong opinions with whomever requires them.
As a young MP, as I was then, it was reassuring to have an encouraging and fatherly figure like Mike Ellis around. Whenever I used to sit in that chair waiting nervously to give my speech, the hon Ellis would often give me words of encouragement. In later years, these words became less encouraging and more like light-hearted attacks. However, I do feel honoured to have been given the privilege of verbally sparring with the complete master in the use of wit.
Mike, as you retire to growing orchids and watching birds, you can do so in the contentment that you have made a mark on all of us here and that you have written yourself into history as a central figure of this democratic Parliament. Hamba kahle, Mike. [Goodbye, Mike.] Thank you. [Applause.]