Hon Speaker, hon members and our Ministers in the House, we draw to a close this session of Parliament amidst much debate on the 17th Conference of the Parties, Cop 17, climate change talks which will be held in Durban from 29 November to 9 December 2011.
We are confident that just as we demonstrated to the world last year that we could host a successful Fifa World Cup, so too can we ensure that the climate change conference will proceed successfully. We are confident that this conference will further the work of previous conferences towards building an international system of climate change.
As we end this 2011 Parliament, it is important to reflect on the year that was and take stock of what we have managed to accomplish. We began this year acknowledging that it marked the 21st anniversary of the release from prison of Former President Nelson Mandela. We also participated in the inaugural meeting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Brics, in April in China, and we have taken up our nonpermanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, which we will use to promote the African agenda as well as peace and security in Africa and the world.
On 18 May 2011, we held our fourth successful democratic municipal Selections in which the majority of the people once again mandated the ANC to lead. We also paid homage to the four retiring commissioners who had served on the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC, with distinction for 14 years and who had presided over four free and fair democratic elections. They are the chairperson of the IEC, Dr Brigalia Bam; the deputy chairperson, Ms Thoko Mpumlwana; and commissioners Fanie van der Merwe and Terry Tselane, the latter of whom now serves as the deputy chairperson.
The campaigning which preceded the local government elections was vigorous, dynamic and spirited. We all concede that such a mammoth task cannot be achieved without us all working together for a common and prosperous future.
The hallmark of a participatory democracy is the adoption of an inclusive approach and partnering with each other to arrive at a common future. As the ANC, we believe that the responsibility entrusted to us by the people of South Africa is not one we take lightly. Our approach of consultation, engagement, interaction and collaboration is in recognition of the fact that we learn and grow together. All parties are to be commended for the spirit in which they worked together and mutually co-operated to take the programmes of this Parliament forward.
We acknowledge that the debates were often heated, the exchanges emotive, the arguments personal, with humour adding a touch of comic relief. But I think we can all agree that it was never out of malice.
On 24 October 2011, the President reshuffled his Cabinet in a bid to significantly strengthen government's performance and capacity. Vacancies created as a result of this reshuffle in Parliament were timeously filled, thereby ensuring that work continues unabated. In our pursuit of building a people's Parliament and an activist Parliament, we do so mindful of the fact that the work that we do must remain true to the ideal of building a better quality of life for all the people of South Africa. We welcome the decisive action and leadership of the President and applaud his commitment to building a performance-orientated state.
We also bade farewell to former Chief Justice Ngcobo and welcomed the current Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Mogoeng Mogoeng. A highlight on the parliamentary programme was the hosting of the 2011 International Consultative Seminar, which focused on the role of legislatures in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, recognising the legislative sector's role in evaluating and reviewing strategies and interventions and in forging consensus to ensure that our country meets its national commitments.
Parliament also hosted the Women's Parliament, and a Joint Sitting of Parliament's National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces also debated the theme of this year's Women's Parliament, which is "Working together to enhance women's economic empowerment through skills development and sustainable job creation".
"Deepening a people-centred transformational agenda" was the theme of the people's assembly which took place in Mangaung in the Free State on 22 September and 23 September 2011. Carrying forward the vision of an activist Parliament, the people's assembly can be described as a vehicle through which Parliament encourages all people in order to address matters of mutual interest.
Giving further impetus to the upcoming Cop 17 conference, Parliament hosted the National Consultative Seminar on Climate Change: "Building Tomorrow Today; Working Towards a National Consensus on Climate Change in the African Cop 17".
Representatives from all sectors of our society were invited in an effort to meet the objectives of the seminar. These objectives were to generate greater understanding among a range of representatives from national and provincial legislatures, from local government, from civil-society organisations and from government about the South African government's position on climate change and to strive for a national consensus on this position.
Just last week, we convened the first Parliamentary Interfaith Dialogue. This was linked to a resolution passed by both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces in March 2010 to form a multiparty Parliamentary Interfaith Council which would interact with other religious structures outside Parliament on issues of spiritual and moral support, and on conflict resolution on the African continent. This Parliamentary Interfaith Council will also create a platform for an activist Parliament that will further advance, forge and renew relations amongst various religions and influence and focus discussions on issues affecting different religions, and intensify efforts to contribute to nation-building and social cohesion and promote peace and co-operation among religious formations in South Africa.
Members have worked tirelessly, specifically with regard to the legislative programme of Parliament. The exchanges and debates were a testimony to our democracy. As elected public representatives seated here, we all know that we share a common mission which remains the creation of a united, nonracial, nonsexist, democratic and prosperous society.
We must also pay tribute to those who have passed on this year who made such enormous sacrifices and contributions to building our democracy. We remember former Members of Parliament, Ms Albertina Sisulu, Mr Paul Harry Kgomotso Ditshetelo, Bishop LJ Tolo and Ms Nontsikelelo Magazi.
We also bade farewell to Mr Mike Ellis of the DA, who retired after 24 years as a Member of Parliament. Committed, dedicated and passionate about serving the country and its people, he will be remembered and missed, and we hope that Mr Watson will take over from him because we already miss Mr Ellis. He really brought life to this House.
The coming year sees the ANC celebrating its centenary to mark 100 years of selfless struggle by the people of South Africa under the leadership of the ANC in its pursuit of freedom, democracy and unity of all South Africans. As we celebrate the centenary of the ANC, we want the broad society of South Africa to join in and be part of the celebrations because the legacy of the ANC is the legacy of the people of South Africa, as we all know.
In the words of our beloved Madiba at the opening address of the special debate on the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he said, and I quote:
As we reached out across the divisions of centuries to establish democracy, we need now to work together in all our diversity, including the variety of our experiences and recollections of our history, to overcome the divisions themselves and eradicate their consequences.
Finally, both the Deputy Chief Whip and the Chief Whip of the Majority Party - whom I'm now representing - would like to thank the Speaker, Mr Max Sisulu; the Deputy Speaker, Ms Nomaindia Mfeketo; House Chairpersons Mrs Fatima Hajaig and Messrs Cedric Frolick and Ben Skosana; and the management and staff of Parliament for their assistance and contributions to the work of all members. May you all have a safe, peaceful and restful festive season. I thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, let me start by apologising for my voice. Keeping the ruling party in order has taken its toll. So, it is a good thing that it is the last day today. I will not react to the speech delivered on behalf of the Chief Whip, because I have always thought that farewell speeches should be on a lighter note. I will try and do my best to lift the spirits a bit.
May I say, hon Speaker and members, that it is indeed an honour to stand here again today, at this very podium as a member of the National Assembly, after an absence of 12 years; this time, however, as a member of another, much better party, the most vibrant, exciting, representative and fastest growing party in the country. [Applause.]
Somlomo, ingathi ndibuyel' ekhaya xa ndifika kule Ndlu kwakhona. Abanye abantu namanye amalungu atshintshile; abanye babuyile. Amanye amaqela atshintshile; amanye ahambile. Iqela endandikulo selizibandakanye naba baninzi bakweli cala. Kodwa, umsebenzi usafana nango-1994 ngoba aba baninzi bangapha ababamameli abantu pha phandle ukuba bathini; bavota ngendlela abaxelelwa ngayo eLuthuli, kodwa siza kubalungisa ngeny' imini. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraph follows.)
[Hon Speaker, it's like I am back home when I arrive in this House again. Some people and members have changed; some have come back. Some parties have changed; others have left. My former party has joined the majority on this side. However, the job is still the same as the one in 1994 because the majority on this side does not listen to what the public needs out there; they vote according to the Luthuli instructions, but one day, we will correct them.]
Dit smaak my dat die ou gesegde tog maar waar bly, naamlik, hoewel dinge verander, bly hulle maar steeds dieselfde. Dit is egter uiters verrykend om weer deel van hierdie luisterryke Huis te kan wees. Daar is darem nog 'n hele paar lede wat in 1994 saam met my die eerste paar tre tussen hierdie banke geneem het. Die meeste van hulle is natuurlik nou Ministers, selfs enkeles wat nie daar hoort nie, maar daar is darem nog talle van my ou kamerade wat vasgebyt het en ek is vinnig besig om heelparty nuwe vriendskappe in hierdie Huis te smee.
As deel van die nuwe leierskap van die DA is ons natuurlik ook vasbeslote om die politieke bondgenootskappe nog verder uit te brei. Ons vriende in die opposisie sal maar verlief daarmee moet neem dat hulle mettertyd al hoe nader en miskien om die draai sal moet beweeg as hulle nie by ons wil aansluit nie, want ons gaan daai kant toe beweeg. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[It seems to me the old saying that the more things change, the more they stay the same still rings true. It is, however, extremely enriching to be part of this auspicious House once again. After all, there are still a good few members present here who took their first steps with me along these aisles in 1994.
Of course, most of them are Ministers now, even the few who don't really belong there; however, there are after all still many of my old comrades who have persevered and I am rapidly forging quite a few new friendships in this House.
As part of the new leadership of the DA we are of course also determined to expand the political partnerships even further. Our friends in the opposition will have to make peace with the fact that in time to come they will have to move ever so closer and perhaps even around the corner, should they choose not to join us, because we will be moving to that side.]
Seriously, though, isn't it amazing to think that we are already at the end of the third year of the Fourth Parliament and fast heading towards the eighteenth year of our democratic dispensation? It has been my habit for the past seven years in the NCOP to allocate some light-hearted imaginary tasks to a select group of members.
However, my move back to the NA somewhat late in the year has not given me enough time to assess the talents of fellow members properly. So, I will let it stand over until next year for a full report on the assignments envisaged.
Therefore, I give notice that if I am spared to participate in the farewell speeches again next year, I plan to commission a large number of books to be written. The titles of the books will be carefully selected to suit the personalities and the behaviour of the individuals. So, be warned, colleagues. I will be watching you all very, very carefully for the next 12 months to see who makes it onto the highly meritorious list as writers.
While not being properly empowered to refer to any individuals specifically today, I thought I would try to concentrate on the different professions represented here in the House. But that also proved to be a bit difficult because the way politics has been adjusted over the years, one cannot identify professions very easily.
There was a time when, in most Parliaments, the majority of the members were either from the clergy - being pastors, reverends or dominees [ministers] - or lawyers and advocates. These days you find very, very few members of the clergy attracted to politics. But still, many lawyers, like our friend the hon Johnny de Lange over there, and in his absence, the man with the other hat - the longest surviving member, Prokureur [Attorney] Koos van der Merwe.
I thought it fitting to end my delivery this afternoon by sharing with you a small anecdote about a marriage in heaven. It is about an engaged city couple who were on the way to their family in the platteland [rural areas] to get married. Unfortunately, they were involved in an accident and were killed on the way there. They suddenly found themselves at the pearly gates confronted by the receptionist angel. The receptionist angel had forms to fill in, and they said: "Woah, woah, woah! This is now terrible. We didn't think we would be here. But whilst we are here, could you please find out if we could get married here in heaven?"
The receptionist angel said: "Well, I am not sure. I will have to find out; see if I can make arrangements." The angel disappeared. Two days go by, then three days, then nearly a week, then another week, then a month, then two months, and eventually after three months had gone by the receptionist angel came back. By this time the couple had been talking and discussing this proposed marriage in heaven. They said to each other: "What if we are not compatible; what if this marriage is not a happy marriage? We wonder if we would be able to get divorced in heaven."
The angel approached them and said: "I found out. You can get married. You can get married tomorrow." They said: "Woah, woah, woah! Before we go ahead, there is something else that we are worried about. Can we - afterwards - get divorced in heaven?" So, the angel tore her hair from her head, chucked the clipboard and papers on the floor and stamped on them, and said, "What are you doing to me? It took me three months to find a priest in this place. Where do you think I will find a lawyer?" [Laughter.]
Speaker, may I at this juncture thank you and everybody who assisted you in your task to run this House and Parliament. Thank you to all, on behalf of the DA, for the work you do for our democracy and for the time you spent in that regard.
May I wish everybody in this House a very restful period if they so desire. May I end with my very special wish every year to everybody, which is that the wonderful message of Christmas, a message of goodwill among mankind, finds its way into each of your hearts and homes and into the hearts and homes of your loved ones? I thank you. [Applause.]
Speaker, continuing in this light-hearted vein, I am going to try to crack 15 jokes in four minutes!
We had the Rugby World Cup this year and, therefore, on this final day - and it has happened once before - I think it is appropriate to select a parliamentary rugby team based on their performance during this season in this House.
The fullback - a very important position - is the hon Pravin Gordhan. His ability to take high balls coming from all angles and corners on his own, and return them safely without hurting his deficit too much, creates overall confidence in the ability of the team.
On the one wing is the hon Fikile Mbalula. He is an energetic player. [Interjections.] He is not in favour of quotas. But after the sport indaba reintroduced quotas, he is now, unfortunately, our quota player. [Laughter.]
The other wing is the hon Lindiwe Mazibuko. She is the youngest player on the squad. Despite her physique, she is very fast from behind. [Laughter.] She likes to take high balls and, against all odds, scores every time in the corner. In the midfield, you must be able to attack and defend. In 1995 we had to stop Jonah Lomu; this year we had to stop Juju. So I selected a disciplined member with no fear of tackling hard, the hon Derek Hanekom. [Laughter.]
The inside centre must be the hon David Maynier. He is on the attack all the time! [Laughter.] He has a remarkable ability to dance and rock with the ball in hand ... [Laughter.] ... and he keeps the opposing team on their toes.
The fly half is the hon Cecil Burgess. This man keeps to the game plan at all costs! [Laughter.] He is not worried what the media thinks of his play. [Laughter.] His defence skills are not recognised by the public, but he is one of the secret weapons in the side. [Laughter.]
The scrum half is the hon Trevor Manuel. As a former All Black, he brings lot of experience to the side. [Laughter.] His ability to talk back and get out of difficult positions makes him a star! Even Jimmy Manyi now attends games in which the hon Manuel is playing. [Laughter.]
The number eight must be the hon Mosiuoa Lekota. Despite several court actions to stop him from playing, he is still playing! [Laughter.] His ability to pick up the ball from behind and create space makes many opposition teams jealous and that's why they are talking to him tomorrow! [Laughter.]
The open-side flanker is the hon Gloria Borman. Her ability to press the right button when the team needs her makes her a good choice! [Laughter.] [Applause.]
The other flanker must be the hon Pieter Mulder. His ability to hold onto the ball at that break point reminds me of his same ability to hang on to his Cabinet position! [Laughter.] And then we come to two important positions in the scrum - the two locks. The one is the hon Lindiwe Sisulu. She can take the high balls, let alone a few aeroplanes! [Laughter.] By far the best-dressed player, she is our Victor Matfield! [Laughter.]
The other lock is the hon Dene Smuts. She's great at being the number two player in the lineout. She's not afraid to take on the younger players, but she's not our Bakkies Botha. The tighthead prop is the hon Trollip. His ability to come back after a tough game and keep the scrum up is a lesson for many. [Laughter.] [Applause.] The loosehead is the hon Mario Oriani- Ambrosini. Do I need to say more? [Laughter.] He is very valuable when making lineout calls - the opposition doesn't understand him! [Laughter.]
Finally, the hooker and captain is the hon Koos van der Merwe - the oldest player. Like John Smit, he should not be in the team, but he is well- respected by other players nonetheless.
Mr Speaker, no World Cup wins are guaranteed for this team. Thank you for allowing me to play selector and, on behalf of Cope, we thank all who have contributed to keeping this Parliament working. Cope wishes all MPs and staff a joyous festive season. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, Xhamela. Traditionally, farewells are times for flippancy, as you've just seen. But I believe that they are also times for reflection and reconciliation.
Parliament has closed its deliberations this year during a political phase of divisions. Next year will see the centennial celebrations of the country's most important liberation movement, the first liberation movement in Africa, the ANC. [Applause.]
The spirit of unity can only stem out of truth and political maturity. Truth and political maturity go hand in hand. I was very pleased, Mr Speaker, that last night at your function, the end of the year function, we all received a copy of Madiba's most recent book titled: Conversations with Myself. I believe we need to regain Madiba's spirit of reconciliation and truthfulness.
For instance, that book publishes in full a letter that Madiba wrote to my wife, Princess Irene, not only because he saw her grow up in front of him as a friend of her father and my friend and leader, but because he was protecting me from the harassment of the security branch at that time. As a single document, that letter vindicates the truth about my role in the liberation struggle and dispels 20 years of lies and vilification. This was an important gesture on the side of Madiba to foster truth and reconciliation. And I would like to congratulate you, Xhamela, for the choice of gift to us. Perhaps, during the holidays, members of this House may find the time to read that historical document.
Madiba has given us many lessons in political maturity. The agenda for reconciliation is far from complete, as you saw during the debate on the Protection of State Information Bill, which was debated while I was in Nigeria. The threat of fundamental divisions remains, whether we like it or not. I would like to say, Xhamela, that I am committed to national reconciliation, and that we should leave this Parliament this year in that spirit as we approach the centennial of the ANC.
Some of us will meet tomorrow night to launch the Parliamentary Institute of South Africa, which wishes to be an expression of political maturity by bringing together members of this House across party-political divides, so that we may speak to one another under rules of confidentiality - but not secrecy - and openly share our dialogue with captains of industry, journalists, academics and leaders of civil society. This is a sign of the type of political maturity we must promote in our country.
I know that some members will not believe this, that a couple of weeks ago, the veterans of uMkhonto weSizwe invited me to celebrate with them the birthday of that icon, Oliver Reginald Tambo. I think that is a sign of the maturity I speak about.
I wish you, sir, and Mrs Sisulu, who graced us yesterday at the party, and members of this House and their families, sufficient peace to always hear and follow the dictates of their conscience. Our conscience is the door through which God Almighty guides us. May God be with you and guide you at all times, including the Deputy Speaker, members of staff from the Secretary to Parliament to the least of them. I pray for all of us, colleagues, to allow God Almighty to make His voice heard in a special manner during the upcoming holiday season, so that we may receive guidance in all that we do for the sake of our country. Hambani kahle [Farewell]. [Applause.]
Speaker, the time has come to pause and reflect on issues which have affected the less fortunate. This time also requires us to observe and take stock of our contributions during this past year. What moved me the most was the involvement and input of powerful voices from among ordinary South Africans on issues that have a direct impact on their lives.
Speaker, at times, emotions flew high in this House when political parties battled to promote their own views and policies. I'm, however, optimistic about our country and its future. Like many of my fellow members, I consider myself fortunate to be part of this House and an extension of my constituency.
Although we may be separated by time and distance over the next few weeks, may the roads, hotels and flights treat you well and I can assure you that there will be no questions to Parliament on your expenses.
Speaker, I share a birthday with the hon James Selfe and with you. I intend to enjoy a good rest over this festive season and when requested by a waiter to give my order, I will definitely say: "A packet of chips and a bottle of Coke" and toast to you, hon Speaker.
On behalf of the ID, we would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every member of this House a safe and peaceful festive season. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr Speaker and hon members, once more we have reached the end of another year. There is no doubt that this has been a very busy year. This year we got down to business as early as possible to ensure that the work of this House was completed on time.
As is normal, the recent Cabinet reshuffle and consequent parliamentary changes have added a further level of complexity to our parliamentary work. Nevertheless, as a collective, we have managed to deal with a great deal of business and we have addressed many important matters.
We wish everyone farewell for the year. We hope you will find joy over the festive season in the company of family, friends and loved ones. In a month's time we will be celebrating Christmas. On behalf of the UDM, we would like to wish all of you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. To our Muslim colleagues who recently celebrated Eid, we hope they will have a joyous New Year.
We salute all the late hon members who worked hard to make a difference in our country. May their souls rest in peace!
We appeal to everyone to drive safely on our roads. Let us spread the message of responsible and safe road usage.
Finally, we express the warmest message of thanks to the many staff members in the administration of this institution and to the political parties, who enable us to do our job. Many thanks to all of you! May we return refreshed and inspired to proceed with our work in the New Year. Thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.]
Malibongwe! [Praise!]
Malibongwe! [Praise] Speaker, the year has once again flown by with workload pressures, time constraints, frustrations and tension, just as it always does. But sharing the day-to-day craziness and the incredible historic moments with people like you is a privilege and an honour often underestimated and definitely too seldom contemplated. For me, times like these are precious; moments to reflect and appreciate.
Thank you all: members, officials and staff for being unique, invaluable and often incorrigible, but nevertheless irreplaceable. When no one else gets the importance of our work, we have each other and we know.
Sitting in the company, day after day and year after year, of people like you, it is impossible not to think about the realities of life that have shaped every one of us. It makes me think of a speech Bill Gates gave about 11 things kids do not and will not learn in school. He spoke about feel- good, politically correct teaching, producing a generation of young people with no concept of reality and how this concept sets people up for failure in the real world.
His first rule was: "Life is not fair; get used to it." The second one was: "The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something before you feel good about yourself." Down the list of rules he said: "If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault. So, don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them." Rule number 10 was: "Television is not real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs." I'm guessing that the people I spend so much time with, at some point, probably very early in life, learnt these life lessons.
From my colleagues and me in the ACDP, we wish you a very special Christmas and a wonderful time with your families and friends. Now, probably because I can claim Irish roots, I thought this old Irish blessing would be fitting:
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Ngiyabonga. Hambani Kahle. [Thank you. Have a safe journey.] [Applause.]
Mohlomphegi Seboledi, maloba e be e le marupumarupu. Ditsela ka moka di be di eya mphatong wa basadi le banna. Lehono ditsela di wela kgwahlana, di ya gae gamahlaku. Bomapimpana ba tla dika ba thabile ba opela ba re, ke a tsopola: "Mma o tlile, tlala o swabile. Re ya go ja mathume, tlala o a ya." Tlala o a ya!
Ramatheka, monna yo motelele, gagabo ke thabeng.
A re yeng gae ka moka, banna le basadi. Seopedi sa go tuma, Johnny Mokhali, ko?eng ya gagwe o re, ke a tsopola: "Gopola bana ba ba nyenyane ko gae ba re ga re robale rraetsho o etla. Ga re robale re letela rra." (Translation of Sepedi paragraphs follows.)
[Mr L M MPHAHLELE: Hon Speaker, there was a lot of movement when men and women were coming to their work place. Today is our last day here as we will be going back to our respective homes. Our children are going to sing the song, I quote: "Mma o tlile, tlala o swabile. Re ya go ja mathume, tlala o a ya." No more starving!
Ladies and gentlemen let us go home. In his song, a well known artist, Johnny Mokhali, says, and I quote: "Gopola bana ba banyenyane ko gae ba re ga re robale rraetsho o etla. Ga re robale re letela rra."]
Although during debates we tear into each other like pitbull terriers, outside the debates we should be friends. The immortal Khalil Gibran tells us and I quote:
And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship! And he answered, saying:
When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay"... When you part from your friend, you grieve not; For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
Farewell to you, dear friends. Farewell to you, dear friends, until we meet again. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon members, we have come to the end of the third session of the Fourth Parliament. As the year draws to a close, it is once again time for us to review progress made thus far and bid farewell to members as we come to the end of the session.
The year 2011 has been characterised by many ebbs and flows. This was a year for remarkable advances in terms of fundamental principles of democracy. We heard the people's call in the Middle East and North Africa for greater freedom, greater freedom of assembly and expression, and greater participatory democracy. We also witnessed the establishment of a new country on our continent, South Sudan. In Europe, we have witnessed governments grappling with a deep financial crisis. Governments everywhere are confronted with huge budget deficits.
In an era of fiscal austerity, we must be sure that our solutions are real solutions; solutions that make measurable differences to the daily lives of our people. We must do so with the utmost efficient and effective use of our scarce resources. We must do so through concerted and united action, action that shows real understanding of the challenges before us.
Last week, Minister Manuel set forth a vision of generational opportunities for the way ahead, and these critical areas will require support from all of us to ensure their success.
Hon members, allow me to touch on a few highlights from this session of the Fourth Parliament and to highlight progress made on certain issues.
We have successfully concluded some important business of Parliament, for example the state of the nation address of 2011, and the mid-term budget. We have held joint sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, and we welcomed the new Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and bid a fond farewell to retired Chief Justice Sandile Ncgobo.
Portfolio committees, which are the backbone of Parliament, have continued to carry out their responsibilities with rigour and integrity. In this regard, numerous public hearings and oversight visits were conducted on a range of issues of national interest, amongst these being hearings on the Walmart and Massmart merger, acid-mine drainage, National Health Insurance, to name a few examples. In terms of legislation, 30 Bills have been passed by the House.
I wish to thank the public for the interest they have shown in the work of Parliament, particularly legislation that has come before Parliament. Their contributions have been most constructive and have significantly strengthened the legislation. May I add that civil society has certainly kept us all on our toes this year.
Hon members, the Fourth Parliament has devoted considerable energy and resources to the implementation of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, Act No 9 of 2009. After study tours and workshops had been conducted, the technical committee and political task team consolidated an implementation plan to suit our needs and resources. This implementation plan will be tabled for consideration in the next session of Parliament.
The month of May was one of the busiest months on our national calendar. Parliament declared May "Africa Month", with the theme being "African Renewal, Advancement and Development".
Parliament joins millions across Africa and the world to celebrate the continent's achievements. Successful local government elections were held in May, with millions of South Africans making their voices heard at the ballot box.
We also held two successful sectoral Parliaments, these being the Youth Parliament and the Women's Parliament, in June and August respectively. We have taken note of the recommendations coming from the sectoral Parliaments. Chairpersons of portfolio committees must ensure that, where relevant, these are incorporated into the future work of the programme.
Early this year, a two-day stakeholder seminar was held in Parliament on how the legislative sector could improve its oversight processes to ensure that the Millennium Development Goals were met. Following the seminar, a comprehensive report was tabled and debated in the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces.
Parliament also hosted a number of incoming delegations from strategic partners in the international community including, amongst others, a high- level delegation from the People's Republic of China. These kinds of interactions form part of our expanding role in bilateral and multilateral forums.
Hon members, in a few days' time the world will converge on Durban for the Conference of Parties, Cop 17. In the run-up to Cop 17, Parliament has embarked on an extensive programme of action, which has included training for members, advocacy and awareness, a national stakeholder consultative seminar and debates on climate change.
Last week, government and its social partners signed a Green Economy Accord at Parliament, which committed signatories to a partnership to build and grow the green economy. The Accord notes that up to 300 000 jobs would be possible within a decade if South Africa seized the opportunity now and actively invested in the green economy. In this regard, as Members of Parliament, we must ensure that all commitments made via government are kept. Promises made are promises kept.
We will be hosting an Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, meeting in Durban, on climate change on 5 December. This meeting will endorse a draft declaration from the South African Parliament, which will be presented to the Conference of Parties on behalf of the IPU. We will also be hosting the Globe International Legislators' Forum in Parliament from 3 December to 4 December. Hon members, for those of you who are required to be at these events, please do not go underground; we need you to be there and do some work.
We wish the world's governments, particularly our government, well in their efforts to bring about comprehensive, just and balanced post-2012 international climate change.
Hon members, last week the first group of 158 Members of Parliament and provincial legislators successfully completed the Certificate in Governance and Leadership course. This programme forms part of the legislature's capacity-building programme, which is a joint collaboration between the South African legislative sector under the guidance of the Speakers' Forum and the Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy.
The purpose of the course is to enhance the performance of members in executing their constitutional responsibilities as legislators more effectively. Congratulations to all of you who have passed, and well done. Continue setting an example of lifelong learning!
Hon members, we note with sadness the passing away of members and former members in this year. These were Jannie Momberg, former ANC MP, Joe Johannes Malahlela, Ma Albertina Sisulu and Prof Kader Asmal, Ms M N Magazi, and Cope member Bishop Tolo. We remember these individuals and their contributions with affection and a profound sense of loss.
Finally, I wish to thank the Deputy Speaker, Ms Nomaindia Mfeketo, for her support and dedication, and the House Chairpersons, Mr Cedric Frolick, Mr Ben Skosana and Mrs Fatima Hajaig, for their contribution to the work of the office of the Speaker.
Hon members, let us not forget that more unites us than divides us. That certainly was the case last night at our farewell dinner. It appeared as if hon members had a great time: members were dancing the night away, giving contestants of "So you think you can dance" a run for their money. We were impressed by the dancing abilities of Ms Mazibuko ... [Laughter.] [Applause.] ... Ms Joan Fubbs, the hon Kilian and the hon Lauretta. They really showed us how to do it.
Hon members, have a safe and prosperous festive season, and cherish the time with your families. Come back refreshed and energised, ready to confront the challenges of 2012 head-on. I wish you all a very good evening, and have a lovely time with your families and loved ones. The House is adjourned. [Applause.]