House Chairperson, this is one the few debates that I absolutely enjoy taking part in, and I enjoy listening to many of my colleagues' inputs. This is because, even if for just one day, this is a day when we all try to make a concerted effort to be nice and positive. There is little or no bickering at all on this day, as we all acknowledge the magnificent, larger-than-life Dr Nelson Mandela.
Today I particularly like the chosen theme of taking action, inspiring change and making every day Mandela Day. This choice of words on its own befits his legacy. He indeed continues to inspire the world to change the status quo on suffering. True to the theme, I would like to challenge myself and the House by quoting Maria Robinson:
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. I say we need to start today, making each and every day Mandela Day for ourselves, for our children and for our generations to come. I believe that South Africans are most privileged to be able to claim Madiba, a world- renowned, outstanding leader, a pioneer for peace and forgiveness, a principled statesman, as one of our own. The many ideas of maintaining his legacy, that is to say the 67 minutes on Mandela Day, the 46664 concerts, etc, are all wonderful ideas that not only preserve his legacy but propel us to be better human beings, to be co-caring citizens and to lead our lives with conscience. The many initiatives that have sprung up across the country, where ordinary individuals have taken the time, effort and resources to contribute to change, signify how far we have been inspired by this noble man into being better citizens and better individuals. We are a nation that continues to grow and to move forward. Even when we stumble, we are still moving forward. [Applause.]