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.]