Chairperson, today, as members of the NCOP, we lift our heads high in appreciation of the honour and privilege we have been given by God Almighty to serve our fellow Africans in whatever way He deemed fit. To Him we give praise and glory.
My personal thanks and that of my family go to the leader of my party, His Excellency Dr M G Buthelezi, who has been the gateway to the platform which I'm occupying now. He is a leader that can be trusted. I wouldn't be here had it not been for him.
On behalf of the IFP, great appreciation is extended to the hon Chairperson of the House, the hon Mr M J Mahlangu, who has been a father to us all in this House and unified us in diversity; the presiding officers who worked with the hon Mr Mahlangu, the hon P M Hollander, Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP; hon Mrs M N Oliphant, House Chairperson: Committees; hon T S Setona, House Chairperson: Oversight; the former Chief Whip, hon V V Z Windvol; the Chief Whip of the House, hon Ms N D Ntwanambi, and all hon members in this House and our staff.
The tasks performed by this House were not easy, but we tolerated each other in the service of our countrymen, countrywomen and our children. A lot more needs to be done to correct our failures - whether they were planned or unplanned - or celebrate our successes - where such existed. But these things are to be done with humility and honesty if we are to succeed in what we do.
Our country and the whole world face the challenge of a downward spiralling economy, worsening the abject poverty and hunger that we face. Achieving the Millennium Development Goals is going to be an uphill battle that calls for hard work, walking the extra mile in whatever we do and, still, humility, honesty and co-operation in serving our people are needed.
May all the hon members and their families enjoy the festive season between their busy schedules. To those who are Christians, may they enjoy a happy Christmas and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. To all of us, may we have a prosperous New Year and prepare for a vigorous campaign towards elections. I thank you. May God bless you.