Madam Speaker, it is unbelievable how fast this year has passed, and that we have once again concluded our fourth term. The MF, however, pays respect to 2007 as a constructive and progressive year for Parliament and South Africa as a whole.
As Parliament, both Houses have productively embarked on task teams and oversight visits that have served to give us a hawk's-eye view of the realities of South African living standards.
Great developments in legislation have been made, which is proof of the commitment of the executive and Parliament to endorse laws that uphold the values of the national Constitution and are instruments of transformatory legislation for further development and growth as a democracy.
I take this opportunity to applaud the three spheres of government for their great efforts to fulfil their mandates. We applaud both the NA and the NCOP for a good year's work. Applause is also rendered to the Chairs of both Houses and the administration just below the Table for their auspicious management of House affairs. To our members - even though we have often been at loggerheads - it has been a productive and progressive year that deserves a pat on the back. As we return to our constituencies, let us not lose focus on our ultimate commitment to serve the nation. May we return to this platform with the determination and commitment to further deliver upon nation building, transformation and democracy.
We have an impeccable team of staff and support staff in Parliament that has been by our side, making every parliamentary function possible and workable. For this we are abundantly grateful.
We thank all our supporters and members in our constituency for all their support and trust in our leadership and ability to best represent their interests.
To the Almighty God who has given us the health and strength to fulfil our tasks, we thank you and pray that we shall be blessed in the new year.
Lastly, we pay respect to our hon state President, the Presidency and the executive for the co-operative governance that they so highly institute. Let me also take this opportunity in wishing our matric students great success.
A beautiful life is built daily on honesty, integrity, friendship, sacrifice, consensus and humility. May this beautiful life be yours. I wish all of you a festive season with beautiful thoughts, wonderful wishes, an abundance of prayer and a fantastic 2008. I thank you. [Applause.]