Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members of this House, our ongoing message to all South Africans that working together we can do more as a nation is not a meaningless mantra, but a genuine recognition that in history our people have been able to attain the impossible when united behind a common goal.
When he concluded his state of the nation address to the Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament at the beginning of this term, President Jacob Zuma implored all of us to work together to make this year of action a successful one for our country. A few days later, during his response to our debate on the President's annual address, President Zuma again reminded us to work together for a common prosperous future.
The system of working together, at the core of which is continuous interaction with a wide spectrum of our society to defeat the challenges that confront the nation, is a long-standing tradition of the ANC. This inclusive approach has also been the hallmark of President Zuma's leadership of the country. As leaders of various political parties in this institution, we have enjoyed fraternal relations with the President. Throughout this year, we have seen the continuation of meetings between leaders of opposition and the President. These important meetings have served as fora through which matters of national interest could be discussed with the opposition. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the President for this inclusive approach. The leaders of opposition parties in this House must also be commended for coming to the party, partnering us in the interest of a common future, as the President appealed in his state of the nation address.
As the ANC, our inclusive approach is informed by the recognition that, while we are the ruling party, we claim no monopoly over wisdom. It is for this reason that we have embraced the President's leadership style and fostered dialogue with the opposition. Apart from giving some of our speaking time to smaller parties during the state of the nation address, we have enjoyed robust debates in multiparty fora in this institution. This has ensured that we learn from each other and that participatory democracy is strengthened.
Participatory democracy places at its core the participation of the people in the operation of their country's political systems. Members of this House must, therefore, be commended for overwhelmingly endorsing the President's request to address Parliament in the evening for the first time. This indeed afforded the greater majority of South Africans an opportunity to be part of the occasion, whether through their presence in Parliament or following it live on television or radio in the comfort of their homes. Indeed, it is acts such as these that enhance this institution's reputation as a tribunal of the people.
Comrade Deputy Speaker, mutual co-operation, even in an ocean of confrontational or aggressive politics, is necessary in steering our people's ship to prosperity and development. The sense of unity demonstrated by this Parliament, which mirrored that of the entire nation behind the hosting of the World Cup, is indeed indicative of what we can achieve when we work together. As a nation, we must be proud of our individual and collective effort that brought about such a huge achievement.
Our character as a people can perhaps be best described by the observation made by our icon, Nelson Mandela, when he paid tribute to South Africans on the occasion of his retirement in 1999. Madiba referred to us as "a nation that has won the world's admiration, not by prowess in war, but by the dedication of its people of every background to celebrate their humanity".
Indeed, the World Cup has gained us the admiration of the world and reminded us of our true character as a nation. As members of this House, we must be proud for having put aside our differences and suspended petty politics in the interest of putting our country first.
Hon members, as we rise today, let us remind ourselves that this institution defined itself as an activist Parliament. This declaration coincided with the enactment of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act of 2009, which, indeed, deepened Parliament's oversight authority as enshrined in the Constitution. This necessitates that, as an activist Parliament, we must build our capacity to realise this progressive concept of Parliament, which is necessary to enhance service delivery that will improve the material conditions of the lives of our people.
As I said during Parliament's budget debates earlier this year, we need to continue to strive for a fully capacitated institution in the interest of fully equipped members of Parliament who are equal to the critical task placed on their shoulders by our people. The recent decision by this House to establish a committee on nation-building and heritage development will make this Parliament a responsive and activist people's Parliament. The new committee, which draws members from various political parties, will serve as a consultative mechanism to drive the objectives of this activist Parliament and enhance nation-building efforts and social cohesion.
The aftermath of the World Cup has inspired South Africans to once again appreciate that there is much more that unites us as a nation than what divides us. Through this multiparty committee, Parliament will take the lead in preserving the national unity that was prevalent during the World Cup.
This has been an exciting and interesting year. The House once again served as a theatre of robust, lively and open engagement. We listened to each other rather than howl, but we also howled, rather than listen to one another. On some issues we lost our minds, while on some we gained our sanity. We yelled and shouted on some occasions, while on some we smiled and laughed. We spoke past each other at times, but we also spoke with each other most of the time. We were divided at times, but united some of the time. All of this, consequently, deposited one or two grey hairs on the heads of our presiding officers under the able and orderly leadership of hon Speaker Max Sisulu.
That the presiding officers have been able to withstand all this is a true testament of their tenacity and resoluteness. Indeed, the trait of a good presiding officer is not measured by the number of orders he makes, but how he or she manages the business of the House through a fair and impartial application and interpretation of Rules, conventions, practices and precedents. I stand here to congratulate you, Madam Deputy Speaker, the Speaker and your team for performing that with sheer unadulterated excellence. I believe hon members will agree that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker deserve a round of applause. [Applause.]
As I conclude, let me say that I also wish to take my hat off to all the staff members of Parliament, under the able leadership of the Secretary to Parliament, Mr Zingile Dingani, including our ever helpful Table staff and service officers, for easing up our work in this institution. Well done!
Hon members, as we rise this day, I wish to use this opportunity to pay tribute to our beloved colleagues and members of this House, whom death snatched from our benches during this year. May the spirits of Comrade Molefi Sefularo, who served as the Deputy Minister of Health and Comrade Alina Rantsolase, our caucus chairperson and Whip rest in peace. I also wish to pay tribute to the former Members of Parliament who left us during this year. They are Frederik van Zyl Slabbert, Cheryl Gillwald, and Mittah Seperepere; may they rest in peace.
In conclusion, Speaker, this year Parliament marked the 20-year anniversary of the release of our icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and other political prisoners. I wish to remind you of what the first President of the democratic South Africa wished when he gave his farewell speech at the UN in 1998. He said:
I will continue to hope that Africa's Renaissance will strike deep roots and blossom forever, without regard to the changing seasons. Were all these hopes to translate into a realisable dream and not a nightmare to torment the soul of the aged, then will I, indeed, have peace and tranquillity. Then would history and the billions throughout the world proclaim that it was right that we dreamt and that we toiled to give life to a workable dream.
As we rise and formally conclude the business of this House, we should take this opportunity and ask ourselves whether our performance in this institution during this particular term has contributed in making that African dream, which Madiba spoke of, realisable, or have we contributed in turning it into "a nightmare to torment the soul of the aged".
I am hopeful that Madiba will look at our work this year with an approving smile. I am also hopeful that we were able to heed the call made by the President at the beginning of this year for us to work together in the interest of building our future. Bon voyage. [Applause.]
Mr Speaker, at the outset, I would like to thank the Chief Whip of the Majority Party for the co-operation that exists in the Chief Whips' Forum. I think we both have a common aim of ensuring that there is smooth working of this House and, more importantly, the deepening of democracy as represented by this House.
I would also like to convey my party's congratulations to Mr Frolick and Ms Hajaig for their escalation to the high office. I hope we can give you our best co-operation, although I don't always guarantee it.
Most of us at this stage feel like school children waiting for that bell to ring so that we can go out and, perhaps, play in the fields and on the beaches out there. Unfortunately, for most of us with elections around the corner that bit of peace and quiet is going to be short-lived as we will all again be put back into the trenches to start working for the municipal elections next year. However, I hope that those of us who do get a chance to have a break enjoy that break and come back refreshed.
Before I get into the real thanks, I just want to reflect for a moment on the year that is passing. I want to pick up one particular event which I think was an epoch-making event. It was an event that I think really encapsulated the spirit of what this nation wants to be, and how others want to see us. That was the 2010 World Cup. That spirit was a wonderful spirit which was exhibited here in the House. There was unity in this House that I think I and most of us have never experienced before. The World Cup brought together South Africans with South Africans. It brought together South Africans with foreigners.
We paraded a country that spruced itself up, readied its infrastructure, and delivered a world-class event on time. It was a time when, as the President said, even the criminals went on holiday. There were no no-go areas. We saw a confident nation proud of its team, itself and what we had achieved. It was a nation that was beginning to bond and be at peace with itself.
The question that I want to ask before we go into recess is this: Are we still in that space? A few events took place just after that, which, I think, took us from those heights back to a painful reality. We had the Defence Force - as somebody quoted yesterday - essentially going on mutiny and rampage.
We had South Africa paralysed by a public service strike over an ostensible wage dispute. We had a debate about nationalisation emerging in certain quarters. This essentially frightened off a good deal of job-creating investment, which could have alleviated poverty.
We saw a drop in rankings of South Africa as far as the Human Development Index, the Global Competitive Index and the Freedom House's Freedom of the Press Index are concerned. Finally, we saw crime and no-go areas coming back. A painful reminder of this was - there are many reminders - the recent one of Anni Dewani in Gugulethu. What was so awful about Dewani's event was that it splashed South Africa back into the headlines throughout the world about a subject which, quite frankly, put us back to where we were prior to that wonderful event in July.
So, as we go into recess, I want to ask the members to reflect on how we can regain that status; how we can regain that period of peace and goodwill; and how we can regain those Houses' spirit. How do we recapture that spirit of goodwill that we once had, and how do we recapture becoming what we want to become and what others want to see us become? Yesterday's event in Cape Town was a wonderful exhibition of that event, that spirit reoccurring when people took to the streets of Cape Town on that walk. You saw that wonderful togetherness that existed. It is there, it is heightened and people want it. We, as leaders, must provide it.
Finally, let me say thanks and good wishes. I take this opportunity do so to, first of all, the DA staff in Parliament, research staff, media staff, staff in Whippery, my own assistant and my personal assistants. A particular thanks to my deputy, Mike Ellis, and all other Whips who helped me. Indeed, I thank all Whips of all parties who co-operated so well in the interest of Parliament.
Let me also thank the Speaker and the presiding officers, and all the staff of Parliament, from the most senior to the most junior, for doing their best to treat us with courtesy and consideration and for giving us their best. Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you, Mr Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, presiding officers, all hon members and staff a happy and blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, if we look back over the past year we actually can think back to many very interesting debates and discussions, although some of the media people would say most of them were very boring. But, at least, we knew what we were discussing in this House. We had highs and lows here. Sometimes things worked, and sometimes they did not. Members will recall what a very distressed member of the DA said when his microphone did not come on and he wanted to attract the attention of the Speaker. Some parties had less infighting than others, but those who pretend to live in eternal bliss and harmony with each other could be accused of misleading Parliament. It's only those one-member parties that can truthfully say that they have no differences in their caucuses.
When we came here some 18 months ago, many of us did not know each other. However, we soon found common ground, and I believe we developed respect across party-political lines, mostly because we share a common love of our country and the people of our country. Previous speakers have referred to the World Cup spirit that prevailed and that we should really rekindle it again when we go forward as South Africans.
Despite having had differences on some fundamentals here in the House, as well as in committees, and although tempers often flared up, we have not as yet seen a rematch of the famous bout of fisticuffs of some years ago. I think hon De Lange has calmed down somewhat. I don't know if his relationship and marriage to hon Chohan had anything to do with that. He's really calmed down a lot.
The past year also saw a new precedent, with an hon member being accused of coming to the House in his pyjamas. Fancy dressing appears to be the surest way to be seen and not to be heard. Maybe some of us should also do that in future.
Cope saw the first member in the history of our party and Parliament to be escorted out of the House by the Serjeant-at-Arms. He will also go down in history as the only one who was escorted by Mr Cleinwerck. We saw with pride our party leader, president Lekota, coming into Parliament, and we are very thankful to have him in our ranks. [Applause.]
From all of us in Cope we want to thank you, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, the presiding officers, the Serjeant-at-Arms, the NA Table staff, the Secretary and everybody who worked tirelessly during the course of the past year to support us as Members of Parliament.
To our colleagues in the majority party, please bear with us. It is our role as nongoverning parties to keep the executive accountable, to keep the ruling party on their toes, and to make sure that those Ministers who go overseas return soon to the House to answer questions, as we saw yesterday.
To all hon members, on behalf of Cope, may we express our best wishes to enjoy the festive season with your families and friends before the hard work for the 2011 local government elections commences. We wish you all the best. Enjoy your rest period, and may we soon meet each other again to continue to work for the nation that expects all of us to deliver on our promises. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, if I were speaking as the House Chairperson, I would have been given more than three minutes, I think. I am sure the Speaker will also agree with me that today I am earning my 5% increment. [Laughter.]
Hon Speaker, hon Ministers who are here, hon Deputy Ministers and hon members, centuries ago, when the wise ones - that is, the philosophers - looked at the soul of the state, and after a long period of study, they concluded that Parliament was the heart of the state and the executive was the brain. They strongly contended that when the brain ceases to function, the body politic will still continue to struggle. However, when the heart stops beating, the body politic becomes lifeless and dies. What follows is the end of democracy and the beginning of autocracy and, eventually, anarchy.
The hon members of this House have often and on many occasions referred to Parliament as the voice of the people. Now that this House is about to rise, the question remains: Have we been that strong heart? Have we been that powerful voice of the people? Have we been that intelligent brain that is needed by the sovereign authority, the people of the Republic - particularly the poor and the marginalised majority in our land?
I hasten to admit that, looking back at the numerous sessions of this Assembly, hon members have tried to the best of their abilities to embrace the vision and mission of this Parliament. Perhaps we have not tried hard enough to bring about the common good for all as postulated in our Constitution. It is therefore virtuous to admit our political deficits as individual members and as a collective of political parties in this House and, at the same time, appreciate what Parliament has achieved this year.
We thank the leaders of all the political parties who are here, the speakership and all the Whips of all the parties, the National Assembly Table, and parliamentary services at all levels, including catering and security.
In conclusion, the IFP in this House, led by Prince Buthelezi, wishes all the members of this respectable House, including the President, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Deputy President and their families, a memorable, safe and restful festive season. I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, I was unceremoniously thrust into the position of the leader of the ID in Parliament in September when Patricia de Lille decided to continue her fight for the poor as Western Cape MEC for Social Development. [Laughter.] This has been an interesting journey for me as I have tried to fully acquaint myself with all the strange workings of Parliament. I have learnt that the wheels of change grind very slowly in this institution and that it is unparliamentary to blow a vuvuzela in the House. Contrary to that, I have learnt - hon Ellis - that it is indeed parliamentary to wear a hat in the House. To put you at rest, hon Speaker, I have decided to finally conform to the rules of Parliament and I do not have a concealed vuvuzela in my pocket.
I hope by now that you have forgiven me for getting caught up in the emotion of the World Cup because this was truly a great year for this nation. I was immensely proud of the way in which Parliament joined the whole country in celebrating this momentous moment in our country's history, and it was a joy to watch the sea of yellow jerseys in the House.
As a nation, we can certainly be proud of putting on a spectacular show for the world. We have proven that, when we feel the pressure, we can deliver. However, the ID believes that we now need to make the Ministers feel this pressure when it comes to delivering services to all our people. We have to live up to the vision as an activist Parliament where parliamentarians can truly hold the executive to account.
We cannot do this, though, when Ministers shamelessly boycott the question time over their own requests for extra money. Yesterday's debacle was a slap in the face of our democracy and showed utter contempt for Parliament and the voters who have placed their faith in us. My hope is that next year we will see a different attitude being displayed to Parliament so that we can build this institution into the true cornerstone of our democracy.
Lastly, Speaker, to all of us present, I would like to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy holiday. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr Speaker, hon members, we have once more reached the end of the year. It has been a particularly busy year with this Parliament getting down to business for its first complete year of work. The year has been particularly busy with new departments and new Ministers commencing their work in earnest. The recent Cabinet reshuffle and consequent parliamentary changes have added a further level of complexity to parliamentary work under way.
Nevertheless, the House has managed to deal with a great deal of business and addressed numerous important matters. We wish our colleagues in other political parties farewell for the year and hope that they will find joy and contentment over the festive season in the company of friends and loved ones.
The UDM would like to wish our Muslim compatriots a prosperous Eid Mubarak for yesterday. Similarly, we hope that those who have recently celebrated Diwali will have a joyous New Year. In a month's time, our Christian compatriots will be celebrating Christmas. It is a reminder of our rich diversity as a nation and also that we share common values that cherish life, family and prosperity. May we return refreshed and inspired to proceed with our work in the New Year.
At this time, the UDM would like to once again appeal to everyone that we should travel safely, especially on our roads. Together, let us spread the message of responsible and safe road usage. The vast majority of our shockingly high number of road fatalities are caused by avoidable reckless or negligent road use.
In conclusion, allow me to express gratitude to the many staff members within the administration of the institution and the political parties who enable us to do our job; we appreciate their efforts. May everybody have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, we have come to the end of another long year in Parliament, where all played their own roles in their own respective ways. It's a time to say thank you and goodbye to all members from all parties at the end of this session.
Our colleague, the hon Chief Whip of the Opposition, used the opportunity for one second to bring in a specific political point, which is very important to him and I understand that. He made a point that he remembers how united we all were when we were preparing for the World Cup earlier in the year. He then expressed his concern by asking what happened to that spirit in the period after that. And I can understand that very well.
If we look back to our own history and our own past, a couple of years ago, this country successfully hosted the Rugby World Cup and the Cricket World Cup. The point I would like to make is that - as I said in the past in this House, and I want to repeat it - sport is very important in terms of nation- building and in terms of social cohesion. However, we will not succeed in addressing the issue of being united in our diversity by just going from one sporting event to the next. We need more than that.
We need to address the real issues of our country and our nation in terms of poverty and joblessness. We need to find a constitutional dispensation where we can be truly united, but also respecting our diversity. I understand what hon Davidson has said, but we need to take those issues further in our debates.
Ek wil, ten slotte, baie dankie s vir die parlementre personeel vir die rol wat elkeen van hulle die afgelope jaar gespeel het. Van die veiligheidspersoneel wat ons veilig hou; tot die spyseniering; tot die biblioteek - noem maar op, almal wat daar is - elkeen het sy rol gespeel om van hierdie jaar 'n sukses te maak.
Dankie ook aan die media, waarsonder die Parlement irrelevant sou word in die o van die kiesers daar buite, want, as die media nie rapporteer wat in hierdie Parlement en by die uitvoerende gesag gebeur nie, gaan die volk en die mense daar buite aan asof ons nie bestaan nie. Ons moet dit weet en besef watter rol die media daarin speel.
Ek s baie dankie aan u almal. Geniet die rustyd wat vir u voorl. Ons gaan 'n Kersseisoen betree, en, van die VF Plus se kant af, wens ek dat Kersfees vir u elkeen werklik 'n Christusfees in u hart sal wees wat rustigheid en vrede vir ons almal sal bring. Baie dankie. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[In conclusion, I would like to thank the parliamentary staff very much for the role that each of them has played over the past year. From the security personnel who keep us safe; to the catering; to the library - you name it, all of them - each one has contributed to making this year a success.
Thank you also to the media, without whom Parliament would become irrelevant in the eyes of the voters out there, because, should the media not report what transpires in this Parliament and in the Executive, the nation and the people out there would continue as if we did not exist. We should know this and realise the important role the media has to play in this regard.
I thank you all very much. Enjoy the period of rest that lies ahead. We are entering a festive season, and, from the side of the FF Plus, I wish that Christmas would truly represent to each of you a festival of Christ in your hearts that would bring tranquility and peace to us all. Thank you very much.]
Speaker, we have come to the end of a busy parliamentary session that was full of surprises, failures, successes and disappointments in a year that seemed to have gone by very fast. The highlight was clearly the successful Soccer World Cup. The challenge is clearly to build on the success to improve service delivery to our citizens.
On behalf of the ACDP, I wish all hon members a refreshing time of rest with their families so that they can be encouraged and come back refreshed and ready to face the new year's challenges, hard work and elections. I would like to thank the Secretary to Parliament and all parliamentary staff, security and police officials that have made our work possible. I would also like to thank the media for covering parliamentary activities and making Parliament accessible to the public.
A particular word of thanks also goes to the main opposition party for the words of encouragement before we speak; it always means a lot to me. As I have said before, Parliament is like a very big family. Whilst we may differ robustly on issues, there is a huge amount of co-operation, camaraderie and genuine caring for one another amongst us. It is regrettable that the members of the public do not see this other side of Parliament, rather than the often inflammatory speeches and debates that we have in the House. I am sure that had they seen more of this, it would be a great encouragement to the nation as we seek to further the common good.
The parliamentary prayer group has been a great blessing to me, particularly when I was busy with my exams earlier this year. I will miss each one of you. I have passed, and thank you for your successful prayers. May I encourage all members to consider joining this group next year. I understand that it has a significant impact on results of the elections as well. I would ask the prayer group to continue praying for me, in particular, as I embark on the parliamentary study tour later in a week's time with the hon Marius "Pik" Swart. Can you imagine two Swarts in Germany? Talk about the Swart gevaar! [Laughter.]
I would like to conclude with a priestly blessing to all members. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Have a very blessed Christmas and happy New Year. I thank you. [Applause.]
Agb Speaker, agb lede en gaste, vandag is die dag dat ons mekaar groet. Die Pan Africanist Congress van Azania wens u almal 'n veilige reis terug huis toe. Ons gaan almal huis toe vir die feestelike seisoen. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Mr L M MPHAHLELE: Hon Speaker, hon members and guests, today is the day that we greet each other. The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania wishes you all a safe journey home. We are all going home for the festive season.]
Somlomo, Mgcina, NoKwindla, ndiyathemba ukuba xa ufika ekhaya eQuthubeni, iigusha zamafama azisayi kuba ziziduli zethafa. [Hon Speaker, Mgcina, noKwindla, I hope that when you arrive home in Quthubeni, members of your constituency will not be without a shepherd.] [Laughter.]
Hon Speaker, as we disperse to our different homes and constituencies, let us each behave responsibly during the recess. Through our behaviour, the people will judge the quality of Parliament that South Africa has. Leadership is action, not position.
Mohlomphegi Sepikara, got?a mollo o t?hume Palamente ye e swe lore. [Lesego.] Mphato o swele gore ditsela di wele kgwahlana. Phala t?a mona marula di a tloga! Ke a leboga. [Legofsi.]
SEPIKARA: Re a leboga, Ntate Mphahlele. (Translation of Sepedi paragraphs follows.) [Hon Speaker, our work is done. [Laughter.] Let me stop here. Thank you. [Applause.]
Thank you, hon Mphahlele.]
I was going to give you an extra minute, but you are gone now. So, it's okay. [Laughter.]
Mr Speaker, hon members and guests, we have come to the end of a very eventful year for the National Assembly. This House has experienced robust discussions and debates. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker and House Chairpersons have had their hands full trying to keep, and I quote: "Order, hon members!" [Laughter.]
As members go back to their constituencies and later on leave to enjoy the festive season with their families, Azapo would like to take this opportunity to wish all of them a peaceful one. Parliament would not function without the staff members who perform different functions. Azapo also wishes them a happy festive season, a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
We are extending the same wishes to the rest of South Africa. Azapo is urging South Africans, particularly road users, to be careful on the road, to drive carefully, and to respect others on the road. We also urge our people, particularly the youth, to enjoy the festive season responsibly and to stay away from alcohol and drugs. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon members, I wish to remind you that this is the first time in more than 30 years that the hon Koos van der Merwe is not here. He is recovering from an operation and we would like the hon Chairperson, Skosana, to convey our wishes to him for a speedy recovery. I know he is here with us in spirit. Please pass our greetings and best wishes to him. [Applause.]
Hon members, I also wish to join in, in thanking the hon Godfrey Cleinwerck for his contribution to this Parliament. His contribution has been outstanding. It is difficult to think of Parliament without Mr Cleinwerck. He has become part of the institution. We are certainly going to miss him a great deal.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the appointments of hon Frolick and hon Hajaig as House Chairs. I would like to tell them that, as presiding officers, they are expected to preside at night during the night shifts. This is the last time I am presiding in the evening. [Laughter.]
Although this is the last plenary session of the National Assembly, committee work is still going to continue next week. Members will then have an opportunity to reconnect with their constituencies before breaking for the annual leave on 15 December. Drive safely and take time to relax and to enjoy with your families. I wish you all the very best. Thank you very much for your co-operation. It has been a long, hard year, but it has been worth it. Again, I would like to thank you for your co-operation and all the hard work that you have put in.