Thank you, hon Deputy Chair. I appreciate the fact that you have added another two minutes! Thank you!
Hon Deputy Chair and hon members here in the House, it is indeed a pleasure to work with you. This year has been a great challenge, but many of us have succeeded because of the support we have had from each other.
The time has come to reflect on the year we have had and, at the same time, to be optimistic about the year that lies ahead. There are great challenges that we have to face and tackle during the coming year, especially with decisions to make that will have an impact on our Constitution and the future of our country.
What has stood out the most over the past year has been the involvement and input of powerful voices from ordinary South Africans on issues that will have a direct impact on them and especially on the hype around the Protection of Information Bill.
We hope that the coming year will address areas in government that have fallen short of robust intervention.
Furthermore, we take note of the ANC's centennial celebration, which is to be held early next year. We do hope that these celebrations will not be held at the expense of the poor people. It is time for the ANC to develop, educate and empower the poorest of the poor. Grant them the economic freedom that the Freedom Charter said they would have, and sustainability so, which is long overdue.
May this very same august organisation, which has brought forth and still brings forth quality leaders, such as Lillian Ngoyi, Rolihlahla Mandela, the Sisulu family, Winnie Mandela, Albert Luthuli and many more, reflect on those people - they made this organisation what it is today. On behalf of the ID, I take this opportunity to wish every member of the House a safe and peaceful festive season, as well as a prosperous New Year.
Let me not forget the staff of the NCOP and the leadership who have done such marvellous work. Let me specially thank the hon Chief Whip who was sitting there today. Sometimes she might come across as an arrogant or aggressive person, but deep down in her heart, she understands what we mean when we argue. I would like to thank the staff of the Chief Whip's office as well. Many times, when we go out with the NCOP, especially with the Chief Whip's office, the staff is there and everything is sorted out.
Therefore, to the people at the Table, who are sitting there today, and everyone in the NCOP, let me just say: "My dear sisters and brothers in the House, I wish you a merry, prosperous Christmas blessed by God. I wish you, when you wake up in 2012, a year when you will say, "I know God has brought us through." Thank you, hon Deputy Chair. [Applause.]