Madam Speaker, hon members, once more we find ourselves at the end of the year, looking back upon the time we have spent together as political opponents in one sense, but also in another sense as partners in the project of democracy.
Significant legislative work has been balanced by intense policy debates, as well as some committees demonstrating an admirable tenacity in their oversight of the executive. On the downside, we cannot recall the past year and bid each other farewell, without remembering that we have also bid final farewells to a number of our late hon members, who passed on. May their souls rest in peace.
The year was also blighted by floor crossing at national, provincial and local levels. We can at least draw consolation from the growing consensus, even among the Ruling Party members, that this is an unseemly spectacle. Perhaps we will also in the near future be bidding a final farewell to this law that mocks the expressed choices of the electorate.
As always, we need to acknowledge the parliamentary and party administrative staff, who have contributed to all the successes that we have attained in 2007.
The ruling party will no doubt be quick to point out that the opposition's opinion of their internal affairs is not welcome or relevant, but I hope that you will at least allow me to wish you the best of luck with the upcoming conference in December. It certainly seems like you will need it.
At the end of the year we are faced again with the dilemma of many South Africans, ourselves included, travelling far and wide across this beautiful country of ours. Most will do so by road. There is, understandably, a certain rush and urgency to get to family or destinations where time can be spent with family and friends. Yet, we appeal to each and every road user to remember that getting there alive is far more important than getting there quickly.
We wish everybody a peaceful holiday and a happy New Year, filled with joy and achievement. To our many Christian brothers and sisters, we wish them a Merry Christmas and express our hope that they will draw renewed faith from celebrating this important religious day so that they may return in the coming year with renewed commitment to help build a better future for all South Africans. I thank you. [Applause.]