It is an honour to stand here again today, taking part in this debate on this topic, for the sixth consecutive year in succession. This signals the end of our first session and a very new experience for most of our colleagues but that itself, I suppose, is emblematic of the changing face of politics.
I would have loved to reflect on many of you, both the old ones, like the troublemaking hon Freddie Adams, and the new ones, like hon Nzimande, who said he is a Catholic and Communist; or maybe hon Bloem, the old hand learning new tricks - and no, hon Bloem, you can't make a statement. [Laughter.]
Chairperson, that is not possible in the three minutes we have been allowed. So, as a liberal and a Protestant, I will have to single out only a few. But it seems that we cannot stop a meeting without referring to our Chairperson, hon Mahlangu.
It was a happy surprise for all of us that you chose to come back to us and not to go and rest on that farm you have been dreaming of for such a long time. Welcome back and thank you for being such a unique leader, and may you and the other presiding officers enjoy your well-deserved rest. I didn't copy Mr Bloem, but Chief Bloem, please find time to relax and meditate on ways to be less excited about the Western Cape. [Laughter.]
Helen Zille is here to stay, so just relax and accept the inevitable. It is good to observe that the winds of change for the better have at last blown amongst our officials and I trust that they too will find some time to rest. But Adv Phindela, you will all have to come back again early next year and every year thereafter until you do it completely right.
The colleagues from the other opposition parties are all new to the NCOP except, of course, hon Sinclair, who has been everywhere. [Laughter.] But I must say it has been a pleasure working with them all.
In my April speech I speculated that jostling for position was going to take place in the ANC, so all the newly deployed cadres that we see confirm my prediction 100%. It seems the battle of Polokwane is not yet quite over, so you will have to tackle the new problems and groupings within groupings back home.
Most of my colleagues in the DA are also newcomers but they have been a great team and have done a fantastic job. Thank you for your support and hard work, colleagues. Please have a good rest but always keep your eyes open to see what those others are contemplating.
Chairperson, I know my time has run out but, please, I want to leave you with a special lesson that the pencil maker teaches the pencil. Firstly, the pencil maker taught the pencil never to forget that everything you do will leave a mark. Secondly, however, remember that your mistakes can be corrected. Thirdly, therefore, never forget that what is most important is what is inside you. Fourthly, know that in your life you will undergo many painful sharpenings which will make you a better pencil and, lastly, remember to be the best pencil you can be.
To be the best pencil you can be you must allow yourself to be guided by the hand that holds you. May the Almighty further hold you and guide you, Chairperson and hon members, especially our Chair of the House, and may the wonderful message of Christmas find its way into your hearts and homes. Bless you all! [Applause.]
UMntwana M M M ZULU: Sihlalo, amalungu ahloniphekile ngithi nginifisela ukuthi neshwame kahle lonyaka. Sisebenze kahle sisonke ndawonye njengabantu abamele izifundazwe eziyisishiyagalolunye zaleli lizwe. Ngithi ngiyabonga kakhulu kuSihlalo waleNdlu, kwiPhini lakhe kanye nakubo bonke labo abamele izifundazwe zonke ngokusebenzisana okuhle.
Ngithi sesibheke phambili, sengathi uNkulunkulu angasigcina kulezi zingozi ukuze sikwazi ukuphepha sibone lonyaka ka-2010 ukuthi usiphatheleni. Bese ngithi kumama uSotswebhu Omkhulu kumele nibengabazali nikwazi ukusiyala kahle nabanye obaba laba abasebebadala ukuze sikwazi ukusebenza kahle ngokuya phambili. Besengithi ukuphikisana kwethu kukonke lapha kufuneka kusakhe ngoba kuyizinsika zentando yeningi ukuba kubekhona abantu abaphikisayo kodwa kuphikiswe ngokwakhayo. Ngibonge kakhulu ukuba ngisebenze nani ngifisa sengathi uBaba O mkhulu angangigcina mhlawumbe ngibuye ngonyaka ozayo ngisaphila. Ngiyabonga. [Ihlombe.] (Translation of isiZulu speech follows.)
[Prince M M M ZULU: Chairperson and hon members, I hope that you begin the new year well. We worked well together as the representatives of the nine provinces of this country. I say thank you very much to the Chairperson of this House, his deputy and to all those representing the provinces.
As we march forward, may God protect us from accidents in order for us to see what 2010 has in store for us. I say to you, Madam Chief Whip, you have to be a parent and admonish us well - these experienced gentlemen too in order for us to work progressively.
Let me also say that our debates here in totality should be constructive because they are the pillars of democracy, as is having these people who engage themselves in these debates, but in a constructive way. I am grateful for having worked with you; my wish is that the Almighty protects me, so that I may return next year. Thank you. [Applause.]]