Deputy Speaker and hon members, even though the year may have felt long, it is appropriate that, at this point, we appreciate and acknowledge the hard work of many.
Election years are difficult at the best of times, especially with the economic meltdown and all the other challenges that faced us during this year. We have to appreciate the efforts of this House to co-operate and work well together during this period.
I am inclined to believe that, while the summer recess will be most welcome, we are likely to miss one another. Personally, I must say that I loved the spirit of camaraderie that marked relationships in this House.
Some senior members of the ruling party benches warned me quite early on that Cope would have to brace itself for a rough ride in the House. They also said that, beyond the heckles in the House, we would still be wayfarers together in the spirit of the privilege afforded to us collectively by the people of South Africa to represent their best hopes, even when disagreements were sharp and robust. So, I have chuckled merrily under my breath at the parliamentary "hallelujahs" and "amen, mfundisi". [Laughter.]
As I attend Christmas services during this break, I will look forward to the real hallelujahs that will be sung harmoniously and in tune. I trust that the hon members on the other side, who consistently sang hallelujahs, even if out of tune, will also take the time to go and retune their hallelujahs in the true places of worship.
Cope joins the other parties in saluting the Speaker for the even- handedness that sustained the dignity of the House and the focus of the exchanges among its members. Except for the times hon Khompela did so, I can recall only one other time a member mistakenly called the Speaker "Madam Speaker"! [Laughter.] We salute you, Speaker, and wish you a restful summer and Christmas.
Cope wishes our President, the Deputy President, and hon members of the House a happy and restful recess, a blessed Christmas, and, till we meet again, may we be preserved into the new year in 2010.