Madam Speaker and hon members, as we come to the end of yet another year, it is important that we exchange greetings as we head for the season of joy, peace and giving. We have to pat ourselves on the back for having soldiered through even the trying period of floor-crossing during which we witnessed the demise of some political parties. This period has passed, though its skeletons still haunt us regarding seating in the House and or administrative capacity.
We in the Chief Whips' Forum heaved and puffed for a great chunk of the year with hon Andries Nel acting as Chief Whip. I want to thank him very much for the sterling work he did and still does to help hon Mogase settle in as the Chief Whip.
Goroga Mokwena, re nelwe ke pula. [Let your presence be a blessing to us.] This collective has steered this Parliament to greater heights as we have always agreed to differ and thus bring stability to the proceedings in this House. Thanks go the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and the House Chairpersons for the even-handedness with which they direct the proceeding of the House. We take note that they, to some extent, have a thankless job, taking into account what we sometimes say and do. We pray for their strength and wish them well.
Thanks go also to the administration of Parliament, the Secretary, the Secretary to the National Assembly, Mr Mansura, the entire Table staff and, of course, to people like Andrew Mbanga, who never ceases to ask for updates on the list of speakers for each debate and he constantly reminds us about our business in this Parliament. We thank the affable service officers for their delivery of documents and the upkeep of our offices.
Finally, let me, on behalf of the UCDP, invite you all to the mother of all celebrations as we shall be thanking God for His blessings on 8 December 2007 in Mmabatho. Let us wish the ANC a successful conference and hope they emerge from Polokwane with an acceptable future President for this country. God be with you till we meet again. When life's perils thick confound you, put His arms unfailing around you. God be with you, till we meet again.
I thank you.