Finally, during question time on Thursday, 15 November 2012, hon Masutha put a point of order requesting a ruling on the purported use of offensive language in this House. The hon member requested the Presiding Officer to rule a statement made by hon James out of order, in accordance with National Assembly Rule 63.
According to the unrevised Hansard, hon James said the following, and I quote:
So, why, Mr President, instead of investing in rural areas everywhere, millions of rand is wasted on the indulgence and luxurious quarters fit for the emperor without clothes, which is you, sir, to sit in the pseudomonarchic seat of Nkandla.
Having now had an opportunity to study the Hansard, I wish to rule as follows.
Rule 63 and the rules governing offensive or unparliamentary language are broadly framed in order to allow hon members to enjoy their constitutional right to freedom of speech. However, well established practice also dictates that any statement or remark which impairs the dignity of the person to whom it is directed or affronts the person's honour must place a limitation on that right.
Hans Christian Andersen's fable, The Emperor's New Clothes, is often used in political and social contexts as criticism against the rule of heads of state or heads of government. Criticism and opposition are normal and accepted practice in democratic parliaments all over the world. I find that hon James's expression constitutes political criticism against the hon President, which happens in the normal course of politics.
His use of the metaphor of the emperor without clothes to reflect on the hon President does not make his expression offensive per se. It is his reflection, politically speaking, on how he perceived the hon President to be doing his job. His expression remains his political opinion, which may be countered by other political views or opinions, which may reflect positively on how the hon President is doing his job. Accordingly, the statement made by the hon James is not unparliamentary in terms of National Assembly Rule 63. Thank you. [Applause.]
Farewell speeches
Mr Speaker ... [Interjections.] I'm not covered. With so few people in the House I did not expect "dawerende applous" [rousing applause]. However, let me attend to my speech. [Applause.]
Speaker, I want to contend that, instead of making farewell speeches, we should be taking this time to debate the very important matter of a vote of no confidence in the President. [Interjections.] But, because the Chief Whip of the ANC decided to block the motion, as being frivolous - just like the people who are shouting now - a massive controversy has erupted. [Interjections.]
Today, the ANC ululated and cheered because the judge did not rule in our favour. [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Order!
But, as usual, Speaker, the devil is in the detail. I will come to that detail in a minute. [Interjections.]
Let me pause for a minute to say that we always have copycats in politics and as soon as we had moved our motion, we also had a motion of no confidence in the Premier of the Western Cape, which was moved by the very ANC who blocked this motion! Well, instead of blocking it in the Western Cape, we invited a debate on that motion. It was done today, and the achievements of the DA government in the Western Cape were highlighted. The debate took place and was concluded, and the motion was defeated. That is the way it should happen in a democracy. [Applause.]
However, Speaker, let me tell you that the judge today did not fault our application. On the contrary, he emphasised that it was the right of the opposition to do so, stating that debating a motion of no confidence was the very essence of a deliberative democracy. [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Order!
So, while it was not in the judge's power to rule that the debate should take place today, he said that the motion must be debated. That is what he said, and he said that it must be debated urgently. So now, laugh your heart out! [Interjections.]
The judge went on to make it extremely clear, Speaker, that it was not for the Chief Whip of the ANC to block our motion of no confidence because he thought it was frivolous. The judge made that very, very clear. He also made other encouraging remarks. So it may be advisable for the Acting Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC to study the judgment before promoting herself to being the self-appointed cheerleader of the House. [Interjections.]
The farewell speeches should have been scheduled to follow the debate on the motion of no confidence. So, hon Speaker, I will therefore refrain, in this instance, from participating in the convention of saying nice things to one other, particularly because the ANC shows no respect ... [Interjections.] ...
Hon members, order!
... for the fundamental convention and constitutional right that we have as an opposition to have a debate on a motion of no confidence, when we believe the Presidency is failing the people of this country. [Interjections.] The ANC is making a mockery of the entire parliamentary system. [Interjections.] It is using it, Speaker, only to serve their own purpose and for promoting one single viewpoint. That is particularly true of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party. I cannot stand here today and pretend that I feel a sense of pride in the institution. I am not proud of what we have done this annual session. I am embarrassed and I am ashamed. [Interjections.]
Hon members, order!
In its performance as a Parliament of the people, this institution is an absolute disgrace. It is being run by an ANC Chief Whip who has done his level best to undermine the democratic authority of this institution in order to promote his own failing political career.
Under this ANC Chief Whip we have had our constitutional right to initiate a debate of no confidence in the President belittled and undermined, whilst this same Chief Whip went and spent R2,1 million of taxpayers' money - he misappropriated it - on an illegitimately organised event to promote President Zuma for re-election! [Interjections.]
In 60 days this House has debated only 5 issues which were initiated by members as being of topical importance. A mere 0,08% - for those who don't understand that, it is less than 1% - of the time in this House has been spent allowing members to talk on the issues of the day. This is absolutely unacceptable! This is exactly why this Parliament is failing to be a Parliament of the people. [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Allow the speaker to be heard. Order!
Speaker, I can allude to many more inconsistencies, but while I stand here I want to retain a bit of the integrity of this House. [Interjections.] Whilst we cannot congratulate ourselves on the achievements of Parliament as such, all is not doom and gloom, because the leaders and members of the opposition, who are rising to the call of the voters to ensure that Parliament at least again becomes relevant, and that the government is called to order, must be applauded and congratulated. [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Order!
Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to thank you as the leader of this House, together with the Deputy Speaker and the House Chairpersons, for your efforts. I particularly thank the administration and the staff, who work tirelessly to make a Parliament that has been ambushed by the ANC work. I thank you. [Applause.]
Firstly, we want to thank the hon Speaker for the rulings he made today. He showed significant wisdom, and we believe that if we allow a kind of "balanced" approach in the National Assembly, we can all keep the debate of the country hot and representative of the different constituencies. So, I repeat that I thank the hon Speaker. [Interjections.]
Hon members, please, order!
Secondly, if we consider the past year, I think we had highs and lows. We had times when we were unanimous in passing certain specific pieces of legislation and in dealing with matters before us in the different committees, and on occasion we also crossed swords, in more than one way.
Of particular importance, I believe, was the fact that on critical matters we moved closer to opposition co-operation on matters of principle. On that basis I think we should say that there has been a victory for democracy that we have seen over the past year. This has been in three important respects.
One was on the secrecy Bill, the Protection of State Information Bill. Secondly, I believe that it was a wise decision of the hon Acting Deputy Chief Whip to withdraw the e-toll Bill, the Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Bill, today. Thirdly, irrespective of whether or not the court ruled today on when the motion of no confidence should take place, the fact is that the important matter that was before the court was the right of the opposition to bring a motion of no confidence, and the fact that it should be debated as a matter of urgency. I think that was important.
Then, Speaker, we must never take ourselves too seriously. This is especially true of politicians. So let us also laugh a little at what happened during the past year. [Interjections.]
First of all, we had a very amusing incident, and the hon Speaker ruled on it. The hon DA shadow minister of defence, who is also regarded by some as a prophet of doom, exceeded the built-in tolerance levels of our former hon Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. She then exploded in a way that only she can, spouted a mixture of venom and red-hot chilli, and advised the hon shadow minister from the DA to run for cover! In fact she also advised him that he should take his Doom - this time a spray can of Doom - and get rid of the rather irritating fleas upon his body! It was good that there was a ruling by the hon Speaker, but we must also understand that we need freedom of debate.
What was also significant was the fact that the hon Fransman became a very serious specialist on farm workers in the Boland! From the opposition side I think it's necessary for us to make a remark, and we did, in fact, make such a remark to him yesterday. We said that perhaps the President should send him on a special mission to Georgia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, and elsewhere where South African farmers have got involved in the agricultural sector. Maybe he can also give some good advice on farm worker conditions in those areas, since he is the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co-operation.
Lastly, we would like to come to the hon Chief Whip of the Majority Party. Fortunately, some of us have known him over many, many years, dating back to the Gauteng legislature. We actually love him, despite the serious concerns that we have to express on occasion about his interpretation of the Rules.
However, we felt that we would forgive him for that, especially if we had the expertise of the hon J J here. [Interjections.] It's just a pity that he's not also acting as a lecturer, as we were considering some form of fundraising effort in order to see if we couldn't send him on some or other course where he could be taught the difference between a constitutional democracy and a parliamentary democracy, and especially the details of the National Assembly Rules, because sometimes his points of order have really taken us by surprise. [Interjections.] That, of course, was just in lighter vein.
Then, I would just like to say to members that perhaps we should look at quotes used by Sir Winston Churchill. Some of them may not be parliamentary, but they contain elements of undeniable truth.
One is this. "Do not argue with an idiot: he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience." [Laughter.]
He also said this. "Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak." [Laughter.]
Something else that he said was this. "If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong."
Perhaps we should sometimes also take the middle road and not always be too rigid in our approaches, because the best legislation and the best reports are written when compromises are made. I think we should perhaps desist from just sticking to very serious positions, and talk to one another more definitely and more seriously. I say this because in war and in politics the same applies. War does not determine who is right; it actually determines who is left. In politics we must remember, if you live by the sword, you will die by the sword, also as far as that is concerned. [Interjections.]
In conclusion, on behalf of Cope, I want to wish everybody a blessed and surely deserved rest period going forward. We want to say to you: "Travel home safely," and for those of you who believe that the opposition in Parliament are great, we want to say: Travel safely and, particularly, come back safely!" To the others we say: Travel safely to Mangaung, but who are we to tell you how to travel back?" [Interjections.] So, going forward ...
Hon member, you time has expired. [Interjections.] Order, hon members! Order!
... we thank you for participating, and may all go well for everybody who is going back to their families over this period. Thank you. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
Mr Speaker, as this is the last parliamentary day of 2012, I prefer to speak to you in the spirit of Christmas. We wish to express our sincerest appreciation to all members - all of you - whether you go to Mangaung or not! [Laughter.] We wish to thank you and the staff for assisting to make 2012 such a wonderful year. We wish all of you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and may you return next year - all of you - well rested and ready to continue here to serve our country.
Next Friday, 30 November, I shall be celebrating 35 years of uninterrupted service as a Member of Parliament. [Applause.] I can assure you that 35 years is a long time! In fact, I arrived here in 1977 and I saw the whole movie of moving from the old dispensation to the new one. There are 16 Members of Parliament who were born only after I arrived here, and one of them is the hon and beautiful Liezl van der Merwe, who is the youngest of all the female members.
Many members have asked me: "Koos, what have you learnt in the 35 years?" I want to say that the first lesson to learn is to be careful of VIP fever. That is the fever where you think that now that you are an MP, you are a very important person. Let me warn you, that fever has cut short many careers in Parliament. Therefore be humble and just remain yourself. I was just Koos when I arrived here, and I am still just that same Koos. [Applause.]
The second lesson is respect. One must respect other members. Everyone must respect everyone in this place. Respect members, no matter what party they belong to. Remember to respect the staff. Respect your seniors, elderly people, your parents, your teachers and, in particular, rulings by the Speaker and other presiding officers. Obey them. I remember what my teacher told us when I started playing rugby at the age of eight. He said:
Koos, die ref [skeidsregter] is altyd reg. [Koos, the referee is always right.]
Remember, the Speaker is always right.
Repeat that, hon Koos. [Laughter.] [Applause.]
It includes the Deputy Speaker! [Laughter.]
The third and last lesson is discipline. I shall never forget how Mr P W Botha drilled this into us new members 35 years ago. "Be a disciplined member," he said, pointing that finger.
Pasop vir julle. [Beware, you lot.]
So be disciplined. Attend all your committee and other meetings. Never be late. A disciplined and successful member never arrives at a meeting without being properly prepared. Then you will make meaningful contributions and you will earn respect.
In conclusion, if we as Members of Parliament, going into the festive season, remain humble, live lives of respect for others and are really disciplined people, we will be able to accomplish huge successes in the service of our fatherland. After 35 years in Parliament, I now look forward to the next 35! [Laughter.] [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, members and colleagues, we have once again reached the end of another year. This was without a doubt a very busy and tumultuous political year. We got down to business as early as possible, to ensure that the work of this House was completed on time.
Cabinet reshuffles 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 addressed many important matters.
We wish everyone farewell for the year. We hope that 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. We would like to wish all of you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. To our Muslim colleagues, we hope that you merrily celebrated Eid recently and wish you a prosperous 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 the responsible and safe use of our roads.
Finally, we express a warm message of thanks to the many staff members in the administration of this institution and the political parties, who enable us to do our jobs. We are eternally grateful to you all. May we return refreshed and inspired in the new year to proceed with our work. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker and colleagues, there is a huge temptation to read the feeling in the House, to play to that feeling, to just be friendly and jovial, and to just say all the nice things. That's a temptation.
However, I think we should look at ourselves in a very serious manner today. I had the opportunity to attend the court application that we are all talking about, and that we have all known about for the last couple of days. I also attended the judgment today. I would suggest to all members of the House - all members of the House - that they make a point of getting that judgment and reading it, because, although the application was dismissed, the contents of the judgment have a huge impact on us as Parliament, and that goes for all of us. I think we should take it very, very seriously. I am not going to go into any further details, but we must really go and look at exactly what is being said there, and I can assure you that what happened today will not be the end of the process in terms of that judgment.
Be that as it may, I would like to use the opportunity to say thank you to all colleagues for the year that we have all been in Parliament, and for the opportunity to serve on different committees, to serve with the Whips and to serve with all the people from the Chief Whips' Forum, the programme committee, and so on.
Ons het almal saam 'n reuse verantwoordelikheid as parlementslede. Dit is nie net die taak van die opposisie om die waardigheid van die Huis te probeer instand hou nie. Dit is ook die taak van alle parlementslede. Dit is nie net die taak van die opposisie of die regerende party om na die bepalings van die Grondwet om te sien nie. Die mense daar buite ... Ons moet weer gaan kyk na artikel 42. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[We have a huge responsibility, together as Members of Parliament. It is not only the task of the opposition to try and maintain the dignity of the House. That is also the task of all Members of Parliament. It is not only the task of the opposition or of the ruling party to pay attention to the provisions of the Constitution. The people out there ... We should take another look at section 42.]
We are elected by the people to represent the people, and that means all the people. It cannot mean only one part of the people. It means all the people, and we should act in that respect in all instances and at all times. In conclusion ...
... waar ons in hierdie tyd uitmekaar gaan, wens ek u almal 'n veilige en rustige tyd voor, dat ons rustig gaan ontspan en uitrus, want ons almal weet dat ... [... whereas we are adjourning at this time, I wish you all a safe and peaceful time, that we may all unwind and take a rest, because we all know that ...]
... 2013 is the year before the next election, and we will all start electioneering in 2013, I guess, if we have not started already.
Ek wens u almal 'n veilige en gesende tyd by die huis toe. [I wish you all a safe and blessed time at home.]
Go and think about our role as Members of Parliament in upholding the institution and the Constitution. I can assure you that we all know this. The people out there are expecting that of us, and nothing less. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, with all that has been on our minds in this busy year, we'll probably go into our oversight and constituency periods, and eventually our recess for the Christmas holiday, with thoughts of our President vying for top spot! How Christmassy does that sound?
Jerome K Jerome once said:
It is always the best policy to speak the truth, unless, of course, you are an exceptionally good liar.
Now, I think that our President would disagree. I imagine that he would say that it is simply not a lie if you believe it!
To be fair, however, I must say I have been determined to cut this controversial figure a huge amount of slack, mostly because he has tried to cut others a lot of slack, and, by comparison with the Mbeki denial era, we have experienced freedom across this House to do the oversight that we are meant to do, with real solutions in mind. I won't lie - this has impressed me.
Perhaps our President, like the renowned Mark Twain once said, just has -
too much respect for the truth to drag it out on every trifling occasion.
Oh, come on! That was funny! [Laughter.]
Of course, all of us in this House, like it or not, are expected to lie, not because of President Zuma, but because of our career choice. Winston Churchill explained it like this:
Once in a while you will stumble upon the truth but most of us manage to pick ourselves up and hurry along as if nothing had happened.
I know that we think we are different, but the people of South Africa? Not so much!
Our President is like a super optimist. Optimists see the light at the end of the tunnel. He sees the light, but he swears blind that there is no tunnel. The DA and Cope's reaction is to call for the light at the end of the tunnel to be turned off until further notice, due to, well, you know they have their reasons. [Laughter.] Actually, I think our President is a man of great principle. But what those principles are, mostly it's hard to tell. Being an optimist myself, I'm keen to see and stay a little longer. Weighing up the pros and cons, it may just turn out to be, well, let's not be too crazy and say "a good thing", but certainly better than what we have had. And we have no idea what is to come - anything could happen!
I guess "comedian" is not going to be on my rsum at any time soon! So, maybe we should change the subject. Having said those words, "change the subject", guess what comes to mind. No, it's not the ANC but social media. Have you noticed how people just throw out any random thought? Like many philosophers, they give helpful advice to people who are way happier than they are. Now that makes me think of Voltaire when he said, and this is very good:
When he who hears doesn't know what he who speaks means, and when he who speaks doesn't know what he himself means, that is philosophy.
So do you think maybe our President is a philosopher? I'm just saying. [Laughter.]
Actually, to my surprise I've been challenged, encouraged and inspired by many amazing people through social media and have decided to leave you with the words of one of these Facebook scribes, and I think our President would be impressed:
The same sun that melts wax hardens clay.
Think about it. And thank you, Biggy Moruti, for this wisdom.
My colleagues and I in the ACDP would like to wish you all, and the staff of Parliament, a happy Christmas, safe travelling and a wonderful time with family and friends. We pray that we will all experience God's love, His joy and His peace, not only as this year draws to a close and the new year begins, but always. I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, with only a few weeks left before 2012 ends, time truly is an illusion, as Einstein put it. Just as the beginning of the year usually marks new commitments, resolutions, plans, etc, at the end of the year we have an opportunity to reflect on the year past.
This is an opportunity for this Parliament, collectively and as individuals, to ponder on virtues and faults. How have we fared in living up to the mandate given to us? Can we hold our heads high and say that we have tried to forge our way forward and that we gave this year our best shot?
We must reflect upon and assess the decisions we've made collectively and as individuals in various offices. We must use our reflections as an opportunity to make profound, constructive and positive changes.
We must have the courage to evaluate what motivated our thoughts, our actions, our attitudes and our behaviour. Were we selfless or were we selfish? Were we modest or were we proud? Did we serve or did we take? Did we counsel or did we judge? Have we sought to build or have we sought to crucify? Did we stand for the truth, and what is that truth? Were we tolerant or did we allow our hearts to manifest condemnation?
It is necessary for each of us to reflect on these things, because life is often short and it passes briefly before we've had an opportunity to make amends - amends even to ourselves, as we are often too hard on ourselves.
The year 2012 saw us say goodbye and farewell to a number of people who would have loved to continue to share this space with us, which makes it much more of a privilege to be able to stand here and say farewell.
With humility and love, I wish all of you a serene festive season, a joyous time with your families and a constructive period with your constituencies.
Lastly, I would like to share these few lines from a poem by Kolabomi Adeko, Goodbye, Farewell:
Farewell is beautiful A glimpse into the future Farewell is wonderful It sets for Adventure
As we say farewell, let us also look forward to coming back here at the beginning of next year, all of us, safe and sound, ready to tackle the next adventure, ready to start afresh, ready to commit ourselves to democracy and a better South Africa. May you all fare well. Thank you.
Hon Speaker, the year 2012 is coming to an end. Firstly, on behalf of the ANC I would like to thank all members, and I specifically mention the presiding officers, the staff members, and the National Assembly Table, for a year that has gone well. It is through co-operation, commitment, and dedication that we have been able to achieve all that we have achieved.
Once again, I would like to congratulate Mr Coetzee on his appointment as the Secretary to Parliament this year. [Applause.] We really look forward to working with him in the coming years.
This has been the year that the ANC has celebrated its centenary. Through our work here in Parliament we have managed to reflect the existence of this gallant organisation which has a mandate from the majority of our citizens to lead this country. The celebration continues, under the themes, "Unity in diversity" and "100 years of selfless struggle". This has given us as the ANC the opportunity to celebrate all our presidents, and share the history of this organisation with many in our society through the presidential commemorative lectures.
It is important to highlight the successes that we have been able to achieve in this House this year. We have passed important Bills, such as the Further Education and Training Colleges Amendment Bill, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill, the Use of Official Languages Bill, the Constitution Seventeenth Amendment Bill, and other critical Bills that we passed today.
Robust oversight over the executive has been exercised to ensure that it is held accountable by the legislature. It is important, as well, to welcome the fact that Ministers have been available to answer oral questions in the House. Unlike in other years, we have not had difficulties with members of the executive being unavailable to answer questions. So, we really commend their commitment to honouring their responsibilities. [Applause.]
We again observed our losing serving members and former members of the House during this year - may their souls rest in peace.
It is important that we emphasise the importance of maintaining the decorum of the House. We have seen instances that have really called for all of us to pause and reflect on why we are here and the fact that nothing is about us. The integrity of the House needs to be maintained.
Working relations with other parties have been good, but I think more effort could be made to increase co-operation and tolerance amongst parties, in order to ensure the smooth running of the House.
On the same note, we have seen members of this House approaching the court, and this matter specifically related to the Rules of the House. More effort needs to be made by all parties and all members, to ensure that we fast- track the review of the Rules, which is currently under way under the leadership of hon Masutha. Members are urged to find time and make submissions to the Subcommittee on Review of the National Assembly Rules, so that these court challenges can be avoided.
It is important to reflect that while we respect our judicial system, and we respect the right of anyone to take any matter to the court, opposition parties must not use this as a tool to rule from the back door. [Applause.] The ANC has been given a majority percentage of votes by voters to implement what it has highlighted in its manifesto, and we have the responsibility to do exactly that.
Others have set a precedent, and I am also going to try to respond to certain things and might not stick to the conventions. I think that at times we forget that we are not a government of national unity. A particular party has been declared the ruling party and therefore it has to implement its agenda - it can't make excuses to its voters. [Applause.] In all democracies across the globe the majority party sets the agenda, and that must be understood clearly.
The Speaker, together with the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, agreed to increase the time allocation to smaller parties to a minimum of three minutes in all debates. This was done in the spirit of enhancing democracy and ensuring that all parties had a voice and could make meaningful contributions to the debate. So, I am not sure why an issue that we are not allowing the voices of the minorities to be heard in the House has arisen - it is not factually correct. While the Chief Whips' Forum is still seized with finalising the global timeframes, we think this is one of the signs that show that the ANC is committed to the multiparty political system that is enshrined in our Constitution.
Hon members, please take time to rest during your holiday period. Spend time with your loved ones, as there isn't enough time during the year to do so. On behalf of the leadership of the ANC, I bring you the season's greetings.
Be safe on the roads. Don't drink and drive. The high number of fatalities on our roads is worrying. Today Minister Ben Martins launched South Africa's 2012 festive season road safety programme, with the theme, "Together we can save millions of lives". Government and the Department of Transport have called on all of us to assist in achieving a 25% target for a reduction in road traffic offences and casualties during this festive season. As from 1 December all of us, as licensed drivers, are expected to have our headlights on at all times as a sign to ensure that we are all safe. [Applause.]
I am not going to use my full 25 minutes. So, as I conclude, I just want to tell the hon Watson that I am not a self-appointed cheerleader. I am a legitimate leader of the ANC who has been entrusted with the responsibility of doing what I am doing. I am not suffering from illegitimacy. I understand why I'm here, and I am a very legitimate leader. I do not need another party to assist me to be regarded as who I am in my party. [Applause.] [Interjections.] I am not a self-appointed cheerleader. I am a leader, and have hence been given the responsibility of being Deputy Chief Whip of the Majority Party. The responsibility issue is oor, oom! [has been dealt with, uncle!] We can continue.
Hon Dudley worried me when she said that we were all expected to lie! I got worried. I thought that some of us should clear our names of that. We are not expected to lie. I was not taught to lie, and being a Christian I can't. We are expected to be truthful, and that's the oath that we as members have taken.
Hon Kilian mentioned the issue of co-operation by the opposition parties on critical matters. We will expect that continuously, even in the next year - not only when it suits them, but on matters that are critical for society to improve the lives of ordinary people. Moreover, hon Kilian, there is unfortunately nothing called the secrecy Bill in the records of Parliament. [Interjections.] There isn't anything that is called that. I think we should be able to understand that.
Without spoiling the mood, I just want to wish you well. Enjoy your holidays! [Interjections.]
Hon Kilian, we are responding to what your Chief Whip raised. You know that I have enough time - so, if you provoke me, I am going to respond to you! Your Chief Whip raised issues about the debate and what the judgment said. However, what is clear is that you lost the case! We as the ANC said that we couldn't have that debate this week because the programme was tight. We even gave you a date! After we issued a statement yesterday, the opposition declined this offer and issued a statement to say that it didn't want it next year; it wanted it now. The court was very specific.
We reiterated the issue of promoting democracy and respecting the Constitution. If you listened to my statement, you will have heard that I even made a commitment that the ANC would recommit itself to respecting the rule of law and the Constitution.
We were the champions of drafting that Constitution. We will never abandon it. It is the crux of what has placed us where we are. It is out of the sufferings and pains of the past that we pushed for that Constitution. We will never abandon it. It is the crux of who we are and of our fundamental policies. It is derived from the Freedom Charter, and that's why we have this Constitution. It arises from what we as the ANC felt. We championed it and said enough was enough - we wanted a Constitution that had a Bill of Rights and all the other things that are there. [Applause.] We as the ANC will never abandon that Constitution. We still abide by it, and we will continue to do so.
An example of this is that from 2009 until today we have amended the Constitution only once. If we were so obsessed with the Constitution, we would have amended it many times. We have not done that. That is a sign that the ANC is committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the Constitution, and all institutions. I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon members, you will realise that the Speaker normally doesn't speak in the House. This is one of those rare occasions on which he would like to make use of the opportunity while it lasts, so bear with me! [Laughter.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, as the year draws to a close, it is once again time for us to review progress made thus far and bid a fond farewell to members as they go back home. This has indeed been an eventful year, a long year and, I dare say, an exhausting year.
This Fourth Session of the Fourth Parliament has been engaging and interesting, and has produced its own moments of drama and excitement. The debates are certainly becoming more captivating, and perhaps dramatic in some instances. The number of points of order put by members in the House and the rulings that presiding officers have had to make are indications of a vibrant and growing democracy. The robust and engaging debates in the House bear testimony to the seriousness with which members carry out their representative role. As public representatives, let us continue to ensure that we fully represent the needs of our people and that their hopes and aspirations are realised.
I am encouraged by the number of debates on matters of importance that have been scheduled lately, although I do think it is important that we facilitate regular debates of this nature.
Hon members, as you know, we have also embarked on a review of the Rules. This is a necessary process to ensure that our Rules are aligned with our constitutional requirements. The Rules must facilitate the smooth functioning of the House and assist us to deliver on our legislative and oversight functions. The Subcommittee on Review of the National Assembly Rules has started with this process. However, we need to ensure that the work is completed sooner rather than later, considering the gaps that have been exposed over time, but especially most recently.
We will deploy more resources to assist with the technical work of the subcommittee to ensure that the work continues in earnest. As we have agreed in our NA Rules Committee, we also need to engage former Members of Parliament to assist, as they have the necessary experience, knowledge and expertise, and will certainly benefit this process. We have identified former members and we have already started with some of them. The former members identified thus far include Mr Mike Ellis, Dr Pallo Jordan, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, Mr Mosibudi Mangena and Ms Sybil Seaton.
Hon members, 2012 was also the year in which London hosted the most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are very pleased to have hosted both South African teams at Parliament and to have had the opportunity to congratulate them on behalf of our people. In fact, Parliament held three special joint sittings this year. The first was on the occasion of the President's receiving the National Development Plan, the second was to congratulate the South African Olympic Team, and the third was to congratulate our Paralympic Team.
Yesterday members of the National Assembly were briefed by the Minister and the Statistician-General - the man in the yellow suit! - on the results of Census 2011. The census results are quite important for our planning as Parliament and, more importantly, as committees for the conduct of their oversight work.
With respect to legislation passed, 34 Bills were passed by the House, which is four more than the last session. There was great interest from the public in the Bills before Parliament, which in some instances was expressed in the form of demonstrations and marches to Parliament. This signifies the level of public interest and involvement in the work of Parliament and the vibrancy of our democracy.
In keeping with the objectives of our strategic plan, Parliament's focus on international relations began in March with the incoming visit of the vice- president of the standing committee of the national people's congress of the People's Republic of China, Mr Huan Jan-min, who met with the Deputy Speaker. In April a delegation of the Parliamentary Oversight Authority visited the European Parliament in Brussels with the aim of forging stronger links between our respective parliaments and, more importantly, learning from their years of experience about how they conduct oversight. It was a fruitful study visit and what we have learnt will inform our activities in our Parliament.
In May the visiting president of India, Mrs Pratibha Patil, and her delegation paid a visit to Parliament and met with both Mr Mahlangu and me. As you know, Mrs Patil's term of office came to an end quite soon thereafter. Her visit paved the way for a visit to India in July by both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. The primary focus of this visit was to strengthen parliament-to-parliament relations and co-operation, with a view to identifying specific areas of focus for co- operation.
In August the speaker of the House of Commons in the UK, Mr John Bercow, visited our Parliament and was followed in the same month by the deputy speaker of the Palestine legislative council. In September the speaker of the house of representatives of the Japanese national legislature visited Parliament. He was followed by a delegation from legislatures of India who paid a goodwill visit to the presiding officers. On 6 November the president of Namibia, Mr Hifikepunye Pohamba, addressed a plenary sitting of the National Assembly.
These interactions with other parliaments and countries are necessary as a component of expanding the role of Parliament in the bilateral and multilateral forums.
It is with sadness that we remember the untimely passing of serving members Sicelo Shiceka, Ntombizodwa Florence Nyanda and Mandlenkosi Enoch Mbili, who all passed away this year.
In May this year we announced the appointment of Prof Jahed to assist with the establishment of a parliamentary budget office. I'm pleased to report that a proposed model has been developed and approved by the political task team and the process of political consultation is at an advanced stage.
In August this year the Auditor-General once again gave Parliament an unqualified opinion for our 2011-12 annual report. Thank you, Secretary! Although there were specific matters of noncompliance, which received the attention of the Secretary to Parliament, we can be pleased with the unqualified opinion received.
This year has also been one of transition for the administration of Parliament. Mr Michael Coetzee took over the reins as Secretary to Parliament, and we wish him well on his new appointment. [Applause.] As you will all know by now, following the judgment of the Constitutional Court individual members will now be allowed to introduce legislation in the National Assembly without the permission of the House. As a consequence we have decided that Parliament needs its own legislative drafting capacity beefed up and therefore we are in the process of recruiting seven additional legislative drafters. I would like to assure the House that we will endeavour to respond to any further challenges as they arise.
Hon members, recently Parliament launched an initiative to develop a public participation framework, which is aimed at making public participation an integral part of our legislative and oversight processes. The objective is to ensure that adequate avenues are provided for the people to participate in the business of Parliament and that the public inputs are integrated in the parliamentary programme processes. I hope that by now you will have found in your pigeonholes copies of the questionnaire which you must take home with you. I urge you all to become champions of this campaign by engaging with constituents to seek their contribution to this important initiative.
The presiding officers have also decided to extend and standardise the speaking time for smaller parties in parliamentary debates from the current one minute to three minutes. This action benefits the FF Plus, the ID, the UDM, the ACDP, the UCDP, the APC, Azapo, the MF and the PAC. We anticipate that debates will now be longer to accommodate the longer speaking times, but I'm sure you will all be happy to stay in the House until well into the evening!
Other members who died while serving are the hon Matladi and hon Roy Padayachie.
On a happier note, let me wish you all the very best in the coming festive season. We would like to thank the staff, the Table staff and all those who have made our work that much better. I would like to say: go well, be safe and enjoy the break - it is well deserved. I thank you. [Applause.]